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®EST  VIRGIMIA  NEVADA 


PICTORIAL  HISTORY 


OF  THF. 


WITH  NOTICES  OF 


OTHER  PORTIONS  OF  AMERICA,  NORTH  AND  SOUTH. 

BY  S.  G.  GOODRICH, 

A.UTHOB  OF  PETEE  PABLEY’S  TALES,  ETC.,  ETC. 


FOR  THE  USE  OF  SCHOOLS  AND  FAMILIES. 


A NEW  EDITION. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

PUBLISHED  BY  E.  H,  BUTLER  & CO. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  NEW  EDITION. 

This  work  was  originally  published  about  fifteen  years  ago,  since 
which  time  nearly  500, CC..  have  been  sold.  The  decided  and 

continuous  approbation  indicated  by  these  facts,  has  stimulated  the 
author  and  publisher  to  bestow  upon  it  a careful  revision,  with  a view 
to  meet  the  constantly  improving  taste  of  the  public  in  respect  to  edu- 
cational works. 

In  the  present  edition,  the  original  form  of  the  work  has  been  pre- 
served, but  numerous  additions  have  been  made,  either  for  the  purpose 
of  perfecting  certain  portions  and  passages,  or  in  order  to  bring  down 
the  train  of  events  to  the  present  time.  A large  number  of  illustrative 
notes  have  been  appended  to  the  pages,  and  at  the  end  of  the  work 
will  be  found  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  the  Articles  of  Confed- 
eration,  adopted  during  the  Revolutionary  period,  and  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States,  together  with  a full  Index  of  proper  names. 

While,  therefore,  the  original  design  of  this  work,  which  was  to 
make  it  primarily  a book  for  schools — interesting  to  the  pupil  and 
easy  to  be  learned,  yet  leaving  vivid  and  abiding  impressions  on  the 
memory — has  been  kept  steadily  in  view,  it  is  believed  that,  as  now 
presented,  it  will  prove  to  be  a convenient  and  useful  manual  for  the 
family,  and  the  general  reader. 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1843,  by  S.  G.  GOODRICH,  in  the  Clerk’s 
Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 

Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854,  by  S.  G.  GOODRICH,  in  the  Clerk’s 
Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 

Entered,  according  io  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by  S.  G.  GOODRICH,  in  the  Clerk’s 
Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1865,  by 
The  Heirs  op  S.  G.  GOODRICH, 

In  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York 


Department  of  Public  Instruction, 
Baltimore,  Md,,  July  22d,  1865. 

At  a meeting  of  the  State  Board  of  Education,  held  this  day,  “ Goodrich’s  Pictorial 
History  of  the  United  States”  was  adopted  as  a Text-Book  to  be  used  in  the  Public  Schools 
throughout  the  State.  W.  HORACE  SOPER,  Clerk.  ^ 

Office  of  the  Controllers  of  Public  Schools,  First  District  of  Pennsylvania, 

Philadelphia,  April  2d,  1868. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Contfollers  of  Public  Schools,  First  District  of  Pennsylvania,  held  at 
the  Controllers’  Chamber,  Tuesday  March  10th,  1868,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  “Goodrich’s  Pictorial  History  of  United  States,”  “Goodrich’s  History 
of  the  World,”  “Goodrich’s  Pictorial  Child’s  History,”  and  “Mitchell’s  Physical  Geo- 
graphy,” be  introduced  to  be  used  in  the  schools  of  this  District. 

From  the  Minutes,  H.  W.  HALLIWELL,  Secretary. 


IlfcrOTm  1^’sgatiVs  ^V-/7V(9,  _ 

HuntnftMS  Preservation  Prqec|>.^ 


315 

\‘5U 


CONTENTS. 


INTEODUCTION.  pag* 

CHAPTER  I.  Early  Set  llement  of  Asia,  Africa,  and  Europe.  Progress  of  Navigation.  11 
II.  Sailors  of  Scandinaviti.  Vasco  da  Gama.  Spectre  of  the  Cape.  Im- 
provement of  Navigation.  Columbus.  Madoc 14 

III.  Discovery  and  Settlement  of  the  Northmen  in  North  America 14 

IV.  About  Christopher  Columbus.  His  plans  for  making  discoveries. 

His  cause  espoused  by  the  King  and  Queen  of  Spain 18 

V.  First  Voyage  of  Columbus  across  the  Atlantic.  His  Discovery  of 

America. 21 

VI.  The  other  Voyages  of  Columbus 26 

VII.  Other  Discoveries  in  America  by  the  English,  Portuguese^  and  French.  27 
VIII.  Various  Discoveries  in  North  America,  The  Voyage  of  Verrazani, 

Discoveries  of  Cartier.  Ponce  de  Leon.  De  Soto.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh.  28 
IX  The  Native  Inhabitants  of  the  New  World,  Its  Plants  and  Animals.  30 

UNITED  STATES. 

X.  An  English  Colony  sent  out  to  Virginia.  Settlement  at  Jamestown.  32 
XI.  Visit  to  Powhatan.  Account  of  the  Indians  in  this  Quarter.  Sad 


Condition  of  the  Colony 36 

XII.  Captain  John  Smith.  His  remarkable  Life  and  Adventures.  He  joins 

the  Expedition  to  Virginia.  Makes  Treaties  with  the  Indians,  etc..  37 
XIIL  Captain  Smith  goes  on  an  Exploring  Voyage.  He  is  taken  Prisoner, 

and  carried  before  Powhatan 39 

XIV.  The  Story  of  Pocahontas,  She  saves  Captain  Smith’s  Life,  and  be- 
comes the  Friend  of  the  English,  She  is  married  to  Eolfe 40 

XV,  Depressed  State  of  the  Colony.  Arrival  of  Captain  Newport  and  more 

Emigrants.  The  Gold  Fever.  Smith’s  Voyage  of  Discovery 43 

XVI.  Increase  of  the  Colony.  Smith’s  Administration  of  the  Government. 

Failure  of  his  Health,  His  Return  to  England 45 

XVII.  The  Colony  on  the  Verge  of  Ruin.  Preparations  to  abandon  James- 
town. Lord  Delaware,  His  new  and  successful  Government 47 

^VIIL  Progress  of  the  Colony  at  Jamestown.  Lord  Delaware's  Govern- 
ment Administration  of  Governor  Dale 49 

XIX.  Discoveries  of  Henry  Hudson.  Settlementof  New  York  by  the  Dutch.  51 
XX,  Various  Settlements  in  New  England,  Captain  Smith’s  Survey  of 

the  Coast 52 

XXI.  The  Puritans  the  first  Settlers  of  New  England 55 

XXII.  The  Puritans  at  Cape  Cod, 57 

KXIII.  Further  Surveys  of  the  Shore.  Indians.  The  Landing  at  Plymouth.  59 

XXIV.  Settlement  of  Plymouth.  Two  men  get  lost  in  the  Woods,  and  are 

> greatly  frightened  by  the  Wolves..  61 

XXV.  Severe  Sufferings  of  the  Plymouth  Colomsts 62 

XXVI.  Arrival  of  the  Indian  Samoset.  Treaty  with  the  Massachusetts  and 

other  Indian  Tribes 64 

XXVII.  The  Colony  threatened  by  the  Narraganset  Indians.  Drought  and 

Scarcity.  Governor  Bradford  journeys  amdng  the  Indians 66 

XXVIIL  Progress  of  the  Virginia  Colony.  Opechancanough’s  Plot  and  the 

Massacre  of  1622.  The  Massacre  of  1644.  68 

XXIX.  Setilement  at  Weymouth.  Captain  Standish  chastises  the  Indians. 

Other  Settlements.  Incorporation  of  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony..  70 

XXX  Settlementof ‘New  Hampshire.  Other  Events  in  this  State 72 

XXXL  Government  of  the  Colonies.  Union  of  the  Colonies  of  Plymouth  and 

Massachusetts  Bay 73 

XXXII.  History  of  Maryland,  Lord  Baltimore’s  Visit  to  America.  Leonard 

Calvert’s  Arrival.  Settlement  of  Maryland.  Claiborne’s  Rebellion.  76 
XXXIIL  Various  Settlements  in  Connecticut  Opposition  of  the  Dutch.  A 

Singular  Journey  across  the  Wilderness. 78 

XXXIV.  Roger  Williams.  He  is  banished  from  Massachusetts,  and  settles  in 

Rhode  Island.  The  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations 80 

XXXV.  War  with  the  Pequod  Indians.  The  Battle  at  Mystic  River.  Burn- 
ing of  the  Indian  Fort.  Utter  Defeat  of  the  Poquods 82 

XXXVL  Anecdotes  of  the  Pequod  War.  The  Indian  Chiefs  Uneas  and  Sassa- 

cus.  The  Beneficent  Conduct  of  Roger  Williams.. 84 

367304 


6 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEE  fAGB 

XXXYII.  Settlement  of  New  Haven.  Mr.  Davenport  and  his  Associates.  Other 

Settlements  in  Connecticnt.  Earthquakes 85 

XXXYIII.  Hnion  of  the  New  England  Colonies 88 

XXXIX.  General  Eemarks  on  the  Indians.  The  Tribes  of  New  England.  91 
XL.  The  Eight  Families  of  Indians — Algonquins,  Huron  Iroquois,  Dah- 
kotahs,  Catawbas,  Cherokees,  Uchees,  Choctaws,  and  Hatches. 

Their  Character,  Manners,  Customs,  etc 94 

XLI.  Evangelizing  the  Indians  in  New  England.  The  Mayhews.  Eliot.  98 

XLII.  Witchcraft  in  New  England 100 

XLIII.  History  of  New  York  from  1640  to  the  French  and  Indian  War 102 

XLIY.  History  of  New  Jersey  from  its  first  setilement  to  the  Ee volution 105 

XLY.  History  of  Delaware.  Design  of  Gustavus  Adolphus.  Settlement  on 
Christiana  Creek.  Founding  of  the  Swedish  Colony.  Its  Conquest 

by  the  Dutch.  Other  events 106 

XLYI.  Settlement  of  the  Carolinas 10T» 

XLYII.  History  of  New  England  continued.  The  War  with  King  Philip 109 

XLYIII.  Continuation  of  the  History  of  New  England.  Events  of  the  War 

with  Philip Ill 

XLIX.  Yarious  Events  of  the  War.  Death  of  Philip 112 

L.  Eeturn  to  the  History  of  Yirginia.  Bacon's  Eebellion 114 

LI.  Eeligious  Persecution  in  New  England. 116 

LII.  History  of  Pennsylvania.  Penn.  His  Settlement.  His  Treaty 118 

LIII.  Affairs  of  New  England,  Governor  Andros  and  the  Charter  Oak 121 

LIY.  The  Ee  volution  in  England.  Governor  Andros  and  his  Associates 

transported  to  England.  Events  of  King  William's  War 122 

LY.  Story  of  Governor  Fletcher  and  Captain  Wadsworth 124 

LYI.  Eeligion  in  the  Colonies 126 

LYII.  Educaiion  in  the  Colonies 128 

LYIII.  The  War  of  Queen  Anne,  ('apture  of  Port  Royal.  Abortive  Expe- 
dition against  Canada.  Indian  Depredations 129 

LIX.  The  War  at  the  South.  Unsuccessful  Attempt  against  the  Spanish 
Possessions  in  Florida.  The  Apalachian  Indians  subdued.  Arrival 

of  the  Palatines.  Indian  Massacre 131 

LX.  The  Yamasee  War.  Great  Indian  Xeague.  Severe  Conflict.  The 

Indians  Defeated 133 

LXI.  American  Pirates.  Wreck  of  the  Whidah.  Captain  Kidd.  Other  Pirates.  184 
LXII.  Settlement  of  Georgia.  Arrival  of  General  Oglethorpe.  Attack  upon 

St.  Augustine.  Attack  and  Eepulse  of  the  Spaniards 136 

LXIII.  George  II.’s  War.  Capture  of  Louisburg.  Destruction  of  the  French 

Fleet.  Peace  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  1748 138 

LXIY.  Progress  of  Agriculture  and  Manufactures  in  the  Colonies. . 140, 

LXY.  Sufferings  of  the  Colonies.  Expenses  of  New  York  and  New  Eng- 
land in  the  War  of  1744.  Losses  by  Sea  and  Land.  Prosperity  at- 
tendant upon  Peace 142 

LXYI.  Discoveries  in  the  West.  The  Mississippi  and  its  branches  e^mlored 
by  .loliet  and  Marquette.  Explorations  of  La  Salle  and  Father 

Hennepin 144 

LXYII.  Settlements  in  the  South  and  West;  at  Kaskaskia,  in  Illinois;  in 
Louisiana;  in  Florida;  in  Michigan ; at  Natchez,  on  the  Mississip- 
pi : on  the  Mobile  Eiver,  in  Alabama.  Troubles  between  the  Ohio 

Company  and  the  French  Governor  of  Canada 14T 

LXYIII.  George  Washington  begins  his  public  coreer.  His  Education  and  his 
Character  in  youth.  He  is  sent  as  a Messenger  to  the  French  on 

the  Ohio.  Anecdotes  of  the  journey 149 

LXIX  Washington  and  his  band  of  Yirginians  march  against  the  French. 

Battle  at  the  Great  Meadows. 151 

LXX.  The  Union  of  the  English  Colonies  in  1754.  Attacks  upon  the  French 

Colonies.  Franklin’s  eminent  services.  Braddock’s  Defeat 153 

LXXI.  The  French  and  Indian  War.  Plan  of  the  Colonists  for  taking  Crown 
Point.  Montcalm’s  capture  of  the  Fort  at  Oswego,  etc.  Lord 
Chatham,  British  Minister.  Louisburg  recaptured.  Abercrombie’s 
disastrous  A ttack  on  Fort  Ticonderoga.  Capture  of  Forts  Frontenac 

and  Du  Quesne.  Great  Indian  Treaty 156 

LXXII.  Campaign  of  1759.  Quebec  Captured.  Deathof  Wolfe  and  Montcalm.  159 
LXXIII.  The  French  and  Indian  War  concluded.  The  St.  Francis  Indians 
chastised.  The  Cherokees  defeated.  Surrender  of  the  French 

North  American  Colonies  to  the  British.  Peace  of  1763 161 

LXXIY.  Review  of  the  preceding  History.  The  Thirteen  Colonies.  Tire  Ap- 
proaching Conflict  of  the  Colonies  with  the  Mother  Country,  The 
preceding  portion  of  this  History,  Colonial ; the  succeeding  portion. 
National 168 


CONTENTS. 


7 


VAGE 

PERIOD  OF  EVENTS  LEADING  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION. 

LXXV.  Taxation  of  the  Colonies.  The  Sugar  Act. 165 

LXXVI.  The  Stamp  Act.  Dr.  Franklin  in  London.  Patrick  Henry’s  cele- 
brated Speech.  A Congress  of  the  Colonies 167 

LXXVII.  Newspapers,  Societies,  and  Mobs 169 

LXXVIII.  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act 170 

LXXIX,  George  III.  More  Taxation.  Petitions,  Circulars,  Remonstrances. 

The  British  Custom-House  Officers  Mobbed  in  Boston 172 

LXXX.  British  Troops  in  Boston.  Great  Excitement  among  the  Colonists. 

Proposal  of  the  British  Parliament  to  send  Americans  to  England 

for  trial.  Resolutions  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia 174 

LXXXl.  Repeal  of  obnoxious  Duties.  The  Boston  Massacre ITO 

LXXXII.  Continuation  of  Difficulties.  The  Regulators  of  North  Carolina. 

Burning  of  the  Gaspee.  Committees  of  Correspondence 17S 

LXXXIII.  The  Tea  thrown  Overboard 179 

LXXXl V.  The  first  Congress  meet  at  Philadelphia  in  1774 181 

LXXXV.  The  rising  Spirit  of  Liberty.  The  Boston  Boys.  General  Gage 182 

PERIOD  OF  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION. 

LXXXVI.  Preparations  for  War.  The  Massachusetts  Provincial  Congress. 

Similar  Assemblies  in  other  Colonies.  Dr.  Franklin  removed  from 

the  office  of  Postmaster-General 183 

LXXXVII.  Battle  of  Lexington 185 

LXXXVIII.  Capture  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point .......  188 

LXXXIX.  Vermont  and  Ethan  Allen 189 

XC.  Battle  of  Bunker’s  Hill.  191 

XCI.  General  Putnam . . . 195 

XCII.  Second  Contine^ital  Congress.  Washington  at  the  head  of  the  Army.  197 
XCIII  Attack  on  Quebec.  Death  of  Montgomery.  Governor  Dunmore’s 

Operations  in  Virginia 190 

XCIV.  Anecdotes  and  Incidents  of  Arnold’s  Expedition  to  Quebec 201 

XCV.  The  Hessian  troops  hired  and  sent  to  America.  General  Howe  suc- 
ceeds General  Gage.  The  British  driven  from  Boston 203 

XCVI.  The  British  meditate  an  Attack  on  New  York  and  also  on  Charleston. 

Battle  at  Sullivan’s  Island 206 

XCVII.  Declaration  of  Independence 207 

XCVIII.  The  British  Plan  of  Attack  on  New  York.  Battle  of  Long  Island 210 

XCIX.  Battle  of  White  Plains.  Retreat  of  Washington 213 

C.  Battle  at  Trenton 215 

Cl.  Battle  near  Princeton 217 

CII.  Attack  on  Danbury 219 

CHI.  Battle  of  the  Brandywine 220 

CIV.  Capture  of  General  Prescott,  in  Rhode  Island 222 

CV.  Events  in  the  North.  Approach  of  Burgoyne.  Murder  of  Miss 

McRea.  Attack  upon  Fort  Schuyler 224 

CVI.  Progress  of  Burgoyne.  Battle  of  Bennington.  Battle  of  Stillwater, . 225 

evil.  Capture  of  Burgoyne 229 

CVIII.  The  War  on  the  Ocean 230 

CIX.  Exploits  of  Paul  Jones 232 

CX.  Battle  of  Germantown 234 

CXI.  The  Confederation.  The  Stars  and  Stripes  adopted.  Treaty  of  Alli- 
ance with  France.  Treaty  Avith  the  Cherokees.  Valley  Forge.. . . 236 

CXII.  Evacuation  of  Philadelphia  and  Battle  of  Monmouth 237 

CXllI.  Life  and  Character  of  General  Charles  Lee 239 

CXIV.  Events  in  Rhode  Island 241 

CXV.  Trumbull,  the  Artist ; 243 

CXVI.  Massacre  at  Wyoming 245 

CXVII.  Events  in  Georgia 247 

CXVIII.  The  British  at  Charleston 248 

CXIX.  Attack  of  the  Americans  on  Savannah. 250 

CXX.  Events  in  Connecticut.  General  Putnam 251 

CXXI.  Anecdote  of  La  Fayette 253 

CXXII.  Continental  Money 255 

CXXIII.  Capture  of  Stony  Point  and  Paulus  Hook 257 

eXXIV.  The  Six  Nations  and  other  Indians 259 

eXXV.  Surrender  of  Charleston.  Other  disastrous  Events  in  the  South 261 

CXX VI.  Gates  Commander  of  the  Southern  Army.  Disastrous  Battle  near 
Camden.  Various  Events  at  the  South  and  at  the  North.  Arrival 

of  the  French  Fleet  and  Army  under  Rochambeau 263 

CXXVil.  The  Treason  of  Benedict  Arnold - . . 265 


8 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  PAGB 

CXXVIII.  Capture  of  Major  Andre 267 

CXXIX.  Execution  of  Hale  and  Palmer.  Colonel  Trumbull  in  London 269 

CXXX.  Arnold  Imades  Virginia  and  New  London 270 

CXXXL  Events  at  the  South 272 

CXXXII.  Naval  Operations 274 

CXXXIII.  Surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis 276 

CXXXIV.  Treaty  of  Peace 279 

CXXXY.  Effects  of  the  American  Revolution 281 

CXXXVI.  Debts  of  the  Revolution.  Discontentsof  the  People.  Shays’ Rebellion.  283 
CXXXYII.  Formation  and  Adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

Washington  elected  President . . 285 

WASHINGTON’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CXXXYIII.  Beginning  of  the  New  Government.  Washington’s  first  Administration 

under  the  present  Constitution.  Proceedings  of  the  first  Congress.  288 

CXXXIX.  Rise  of  Parties.  Wars  with  the  Indians 290 

CXL.  Kentucky  admitted  to  the  Union 292 

CXLI.  Formation  of  various  Societies  in  the  United  States 294 

CXLII.  Washington’s  Second  Election.  The  French  Revolution.  M.  Genet’s 

Operations.  • Jefferson’s  Resignation  as  Secretary  of  State 296 

CXLIII.  Difficulties  with  Great  Britain 298 

CXLIY.  The  Whiskey  Insurrection 299 

CXLY.  Admission  of  Tennessee,  the  sixteenth  state 301 

CXLYI.  Changes  in  his  Cabinet.  Education  in  the  Country 302 

JOHN  ADAMS’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CXLYII.  Prospects  of  a War  with  France 804 

CXLYIII.  The  Public  Health.  Smallpox.  Yellow  Fever.  Cholera 306 

JEFFERSON’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CXLIX»  Choice  of  Jefferson  as  President  and  Burr  Vice-President,  by  Congress.  309 

CL.  The  Settlement  of  Ohio 310 

CLI.  Cession  of  Indian -Lands.  Duel  between  Burr  and  Hamih  on 311 

CLII.  War  with  Tripoli 312 

ULIII.  Burr’s  Conspiracy 313 

CLIY.  Troubles  with  Great  Britain.  Orders  in  Council.  Berlin  Decree 316 

CLY.  Attack  on  the  Chesapeake 317 

MADISON’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

OLYL  Madison’s  Inauguration.  Affair  of  the  Little  Belt.  Steamboat  Navi- 
gation. Ocean  Steam  Navigation. 320 

CLYII.  Indian  War.  Battle  of  Tippecanoe 823 

CLYIII.  War  with  Great  Britain  declared 325 

CLIX.  General  Hull’s  Surrender  to  the  British  at  Detroit 326 

CLX.  Capture  of  the  Guerriere  and  the  Alert 327 

CLXI.  Attack  on  Queenstown 329 

CLXII.  More  Naval  Victories 331 

CLXIII.  Louisiana  admitted  to  the  Union.  Mediation  of  Russia  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain  offered.  Madison  Re-elected. 

Various  Events  of  1812  and  1813.  . 882 

CLXIY.  The  Massacre  at  Frenchtown 384 

CLXY.  Capture  of  York,  an4  Death  of  General  Pike 385 

CLXYI.  Siege  of  Fort  Meigs.  General  Harrison’s  Defence 387 

CLXYII.  The  War  on  the  Ocean 838 

CLXYIII.  Battle  on  Lake  Erie 340 

CLXIX.  Battle  at  the  Moravian  Towns 341 

CLXX.  Progress  of  the  War  in  Canada 343 

CLXXI.  War  with  the  Creek  Indians 344 

CLXXII.  Russian  Mediation  offered.  Measures  for  Prosecuting  the  War 846 

CLXXIII.  The  War  on  the  Ocean : 347 

CLXXI Y.  Defeat  of  General  Wilkinson.  His  Trial  by  Court-Martial 348 

CLXXY.  The  War  at  the  North-West.  Battles  of  Chippewa  and  Bridgewater. 

Siege  of  Fort  Erie 849 

CLXXYI.  City  of  Washington  Captured  and  Burned 351 

CLXXY II.  Battle  near  Baltimore 853 

CLXXYI II.  The  War  on  Lake  Champlain  and  in  the  vicinity 854 

CLXXIX.  Convention  at  Hartford 356 

( LXXX.  Battle  of  New  Orleans 358 

CLXXXI.  Close  of  the  War.  The  Dartmoor  Massacre.  The  Peace  of  Ghent...  860 

CLXXXII.  Difficulties  with  Algiers 361 

CLXXXIII.  The  second  United  States  Bank.  Indiana  admitted  into  the  Union.. . 363 


CONTENTS. 


9 


PAGB 

CHAPTEll  MONliOE’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CLXXXIY.  His  Character  and  History.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Vice-President 

Mississippi  admitted  into  the  Union ^ 864 

CLXXXY,  War  with  the  Seminoles.  Illinois  admitted  into  the  Union.  Com- 
mercial Treaty  with  Sweden 366 

CLXXXYL  Treaties  with  Spain  and  Great  Britain.  Alabama  admitted 367 

CLXXXVII.  The  States  of  Maine  and  Missouri  admitted  into  the  Union.  The 

Missouri  Compromise 368 

CLXXXVIII.  Territorial  Organization  of  Florida.  History  of  Florida.  Apportion- 
ment of  Representatives  in  Congress  at  various  epochs 37C 

CLXXXIX.  La  Fayette  in  the  United  States 371 

JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CXC.  Difficulties  with  Georgia.  Speculations  and  Bankruptcies  of  1825 374 

CXCL  Death  of  Adams  and  Jefferson,  etc 375 

JACKSON’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CXCII.  His  Election.  Yan  Bureii  Vice-President.  Death  of  John  Jay.  Nul- 
lification in  South  Carolina.  Clay’s  Compromise  Act 37T 

CXCIII.  His  Northern  Tour.  Removal  of  the  Deposits.  His  Second  Term.. . 379 

CXCIV.  State  of  Arkansas.  Indian  Territory 381 

CXCY.  Mr.  Rives’s  Treaty  with  France.  The  Florida  or  Seminole  War 882 

CXCYI.  The  great  Fire  in  New  York,  December,  1835.  Decease  of  Eminent 

Men,  C'arroll  of  Carollton,  Randolph  of  Roanoke,  and  John  Marshall.  384 
CXCYII.  Michigan  admitted  into  the  Union 386 

YAN  BUREN’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

GXCYIII.  The  Extra  Session  of  Congress  of  September,  1837.  Commercial  Dis- 
tress. Insurrection  in  Canada.  The  Border  Difficulties  in  Maine. . 388 

CXCIX.  The  Canadian  Rebellion.  The  Border  Difficulties  in  Maine 390 

CC.  The  Smithsonian  Institute.  The  Patent-Office  and  General  Post- 

Office  Burned.  The  Exploring  Expedition.  The  Sub-Treasury.. . 392 

HARRISON’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CCI.  The  Democratic  Party.  The  Whig  Party.  The  “ Harrison  Cam- 
paign.” Harrison  and  Tyler  elected.  Harrison’s  Death 395 

TYLER’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

cell.  Measures  of  the  Extra  Session.  Rupture  of  Tyler  with  his  Cabinet 

and  his  Party.  The  Webster- Ashburton  Treaty 398 

CCIII.  The  Tariff  of 1842.  The  Dorr  Rebellion.  Fatal  Explosion  on  the  Potomac  400 
CCIV.  Celebration  of  the  Completion  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument.  Iowa 
and  Florida  admitted  into  the  Union.  Annexation  of  Texas ; its 
admission  into  the  Union 402 

POLK’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CCY.  Death  of  General  Jackson.  His  Character 404 

CCYI.  The  Mexican  War.  General  Taylor’s  movements.  Battles  of  Palo 

Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma 406 

CCYII.  Declaration  of  War  against  Mexico.  Preparations.  Capture  of  Mon- 
terey by  General  Taylor.  Other  places  taken  by  the  Americans. 

California  conquered  by  Fremont  and  others 40S 

CCYIII.  The  Battle  of  Buena  Yista.  Captureof  Yera  Cruz.  March  on  Mexico. 

Battle  of  Cerro  G^do.  Victories  of  Contreras  and  Churubusco. 

The  Armistice.  C^ture  of  Chapultepec.  Entrance  of  the  Amer- 
ican Army  into  the  City  of  Mexico.  Treaty  of  Guadalupe-Hidalgo. 

General  Remarks  on  the  Mexican  War 409 

CCIX.  Stipulations  of  the  Treaty  of  Guadalupe-Hidalgo.  The  Oregon 

Boundary  Dispute.  Death  of*  John  Q.  Adams.  Wisconsin  admitted.  413 

TAYLOR’S  ADMINISTRATION, 

CCX.  His  Election  and  Inauguration.  The  Wilmot  Proviso  and  Martin 

Yan  Buren.  The  Department  of  the  Interior.  California 415 

CCXI.  The  Compromise  Measures,  or  Omnibus  Bill.  Henry  Clay.  Death 

of  President  Taylor.  Death  of  John  C Calhoun 418 

FILLMORE’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CCXIL  His  Accession.  Signing  of  the  Omnibus  Bills.  Lopez  and  the  Cuban 
Fillibusters.  The  Cheap-Postage  Laws.  Laying  the  Corner-Stone 
of  the  Capitol  Extension  at  Washington,  Kossuth  in  America. . . . 421 


10 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEK  TAG3 

CCXIIL  Death  of  Henry  Clay.  Of  Daniel  Webster.  Dillicnlty  as  to  Northern 

Fisheries  with  Great  Britain.  Tripartite  Treaty.  Everett’s  Reply . 423 

PIERCE’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CCXIV,  His  Inauguration.  The  Mesilla  Valley  Dispute.  Captain  Ringgold’s 
Exploring  Expedition.  Surveys  for  a Pacific  Railroad.  The  Arrest 
of  Martin  Koszta  by  the  Austrians.  Ttie  Japan  Expedition.  The 
Kansas-Nebraska  Act,  and  Repeal  of  the  Missouri  t>ompromise. 
Seizure  of  the  Black  Warrior.  The  Ostend  Conference.  Mr,  Soule 
stopped  at  ( alais  by  the  French  Authorities.  The  Crystal  Palace.  426 
eeXV.  The  Reciprocity  Treaty  with  Canada.  Walker’s  Invasion  of  Nicara- 
gua. British  Enlistments  in  the  United  States.  The  American 
Expeditions  in  Search  of  Sir  John  Franklin.  Finding  of  the  British 
Ship  Resolute,  and  her  Presentation  to  the  British  Government 


by  the  United  States 431 

BUCHANAN’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

eeXVI.  Troubles  in  Kansas.  Lecompton  Constitution  in  Congress.  Its  Re- 
jection by  the  People  of  Kansas,  and  a New  Constitution  adopted.  485 

OCX VII.  Difficulty  with  the  Mormons 438 

CCXVIII.  The  Panic  of  1857.  Purchase  of  Mount  Vernon  by  the  Mount  Vernon 

Ladies’ Association.  Death  of  Thomas  11.  Benton 440 

CCXIX.  Canals,  Steam -Navigation,  Railroads.  The  Submarine  Telegraph.. . 442' 
eeXX.  Minnesota  admitted  as  a State.  History  of  Oregon.  Its  admission 

into  the  Union.  The  San  Juan  Difticulty 444 

CCXXI.  The  Doctrine  of  the  Right  of  Secession.  The  Presidential  Election  of 

1860.  Its  Result  and  Consequences 446 

LINCOLN’S  ADMINISTRATION. 

CCXXII.  Secession  of  South  Carolina  and  other  States,  &c 448 

CCXXIII.  The  Battle  of  Bull  Run.  Other  events  of  the  Year  1861 452 

CCXXI V.  The  Battle  of  Fort  Donelson.  The  Merrimac  and  Monitor,  &c 454 

CCXXV.  The  Campaign  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  Seven  Days.  The 

Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run.  The  Battle  of  Antietam 457 

CCXXVI.  Successes  in  the  West.  The  Battles  of  Fredericksburg,  Chancellors- 

ville,  Gettysburg,  &c 459 

CCXXVII.  General  Grant  made  Lieutenant-General.  Campaign  of  the  Army  of 

the  Potomac,  &c 462 

CCXXVIII.  The  Caml)aigns  of  Sherman’s  Army.  Capture  of  Atlanta 465 

CCXXIX.  Sherman’s  March  Northward  from  Savannah.  Capture  of  Richmond,  &c.  467 
CCXXX.  The  Finances  of  the  Union.  Greenbacks.  Taxation.  Volunteering. 

Drafting.  Government  Loans.  Andrew  Johnson 470 

THE  INDIAN  TERRITORY. 

CCXXXI.  Indians  of  North  America,  the  West  Indies,  and  South  America 472 

CCXXXII.  General  Views 478 

NORTHERN  PARTS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

BRITISH  POSSESSIONS  IN  NORTH  AMERICA. 

CCXXXIII.  Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  Canada,  etc 478 

THE  POLAR  REGIONS. 

CCXXXIV.  The  Esquimaux ; Greenland;  Russian  America 482 

THE  WEST  IN  oft  S. 

CCXXXV.  St.  Salvador,  Cuba,  Hayti,  Porto  Rico,  etc 484 

SOUTHERN  PARTS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

CCXXXVI,  Mexico  and  Guatemala,  or  Central  America 484 

SOUTH  AMERICA. 

CCXXXI  II.  Discovery  of  South  America  by  Columbus.  Discovery  of  the  Pacific 

by  Balboa.  Conquest  of  Peru 489 

CCXXXVIII.  Bolivia.  Chili.  The  Argentine  Republic.  Paraguay.  Uruguay. 


Brazil.  Guiana.  Ecuador,  U.  S,  of  Colombia,  and  Venezuela 493 

CONCLUSION. 

CCXXXTX.  The  Indian  Race,  or  Aborigines  of  America?  Whence  came  they? 493 

Declaration  of  Independence,  495.  Articles  of  Confederation,  497.  Constitution  of 
THE  United  States,  501 . Amendments  to  the  Constitution,  607.  Index,  509. 


PICTORIAL  HISTORY  OF  AMERICA. 


HE  following  pages  are  designed  to  comprise  a 
History  of  the  United  States,  with  some  account  of  other  portions  of 
America.  History  is  a recital  of  what  has  happened  respecting  na- 
tions and  countries ; and  onr  History  of  America  will  be  an  account 
of  the  most  interesting  events  that  have  occurred  in  this  quarter  of 
the  globe. 

2',  All  our  readers  know  that  the  history  of  mankind  begins  with 


CHAPTEE  I. — Introduction. 

Early  settlement  of  Asia^  Africa^  and 
Europe. — Progress  of  Na/oigation. 


Questions. — Chap.  I. — Terse  1.  What  is  the  object  ot  the  following  pages?  What  i? 
History  ? What  will  this  History  of  America  he? 


12  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Adam  and  Eve,  about  6,000  years  ago;  and  that  their  descendants 
spread  over  Asia  first,  then  over  Africa,  and  then  over  Europe. 

3.  At  what  time  mankind  began  to  settle  in  Europe  we  cannot 
precisely  tell;  we  only  know  that  about  1,856  year9» before  Christ, 
that  is,  more  than  3,700  years  ago,  a man  by  the  name  of  In'-a-chus 
led  a company  of  emigrants  from  Egypt  into  Greece. 

4.  These  found  that  country  inhabited  by  savages,  who,  no  doubt, 
were  the  descendants  of  those  who  had  wandered  there  from  Asia, 
Inachus  and  his  companions  established  themselves  in  Greece,  and 
from  that  point  of  time  Europe  gradually  became  occupied  by  civilized 
people. 

5.  Thus  the  three  quarters  of  the  globe,  Asia,  Africa,  and  Europe^ 
were  settled;  and  as  they  all  lay  together  in  one  continent,  mankind 
gradually  acquired  a general,  though  still  imperfect  notion  of  their 
shape  and  extent.  But  America  was  separated  from  Asia  by  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  almost  ten  thousand  miles  across;  and  from  Europe 
and  Africa,  by  the  Atlantic,  about  three  thousand  miles  across.  Of 
America,  therefore,  the  people  in  ancient  times  knew  nothing. 

6.  The  ships  in  old  times  were  small,  ill-built,  and  feeble,  com- 
pared with  the  ships  of  the  present  day.  The  people  did  not  know 
the  shape  of  the  world ; the  art  of  navigation  was  in  its  infancy,  and 
even  the  mariner’s  compass,  that  mysterious  but  steadfast  friend  of 
the  sailor,  was  not  used  by  the  Europeans  till  about  the  year  1250. 
The  crossing  of  wide  oceans  was  therefore  a thing  that  could  not  be 
accomplished.  I^avigators  seldom  dared  to  stretch  forth  upon  the 
boundless  sea ; they  only  ventured  to  creep  carefully  along  the  shores,  »■ 
always  keeping  the  land  in  sight. 

7.  But  the  weakness  of  the  ships,  and  the  inexperience  of  navi- 
gators, were  not  the  only  hinderances  to  the  progress  of  navigatioru 
A multitude  of  imaginary  dangers,  brooding  over  the  great  watery 
were  conjured  up  to  appall  the  sailors,  and  prevent  their  venturing 
forth  upon  them. 

8.  Among  these  horrors  was  that  described  by  Pyth'-e-as,  who, 
many  centuries  before,  had  coasted  from  Marseilles  \mar-mil'^^  to  the 
Shet'-land  Isles,  then  a great  and  daring  adventure.  When  he  returned, 
he  declared  that  his  progress  was  stopped  by  an  immense  black  clam 
or  oyster,  suspended  in  the  air,  and  that  any  ship  advancing  toward  it 
would  be  swallowed  up  in  its  gigantic  shell! 

2.  What  of  the  history  of  mankind?  What  of  the  descendants  of  Adam  and  Eve? 

8.  What  of  the  settlement  of  Europe  ? 4.  What  did  Inachus  and  his  companions  find  in 
Greece  ? 5.  Why  did  mankind  early  acquire  a knowledge  of  Asia,  Africa  and  Europe  ? 
Why  did  they  not  acquire  a knowledge  of  America?  6.  Wkat  of  the  ships  of  ancient 
times?  7.  What  other  things  hindered  the  progress  of  navigation?  8.  What  of  the  story 
of  Pytheas? 


TERRORS  OF  THE  DEEP. 


15 


THE  HAND  OP  SATAN. 

9.  If  such  were  the  terrors  of  the  I^orthern  seas,  still  more  awful 
dangers  were  supposed  to  beset  those  of  the  South.  It  was  believed 
that  a giant  was  stationed  on  the  Ca-na'-ry  Islands,  who  brandished  a 
formidable  club,  and  warned  all  vessels  from  proceeding  to  the  westward 
of  his  island  throne ; and  those  who  should  venture  across  the  equator 
into  the  regions  of  the  Sun,  it  was  said  would  be  changed  into  negroes 
for  their  rashness. 

10.  Even  the  maps  and  charts  of  that  day  pictured  the  unknown 
portions  of  the  sea  as  filled  with  concealed  and  treacherous  horrors, 
such  as  terrible  monsters  and  hideous  water  unicorns,  ready  to  ingulf 
the  voyager.  The  At-lan'-tic  was  then  called  the  Sea  of  Darkness,  and 
one  of  these  devices  represented  the  bony  and  gnarled  hand  of  Satan 
as  rising  from  out  the  waves,  ready  to  seize  and  destroy  the  mariner 
who  should  venture  into  those  forbidden  regions. 

9.  What  of  the  giant  of  the  Canaries  ? What  of  those  who  should  venture  to  cross  tlie 
equator?  10.  What  of  the  maps  and  charts  of  those  days?  What  of  sea  monsters / 
What  of  the  hand  of  Satan  ? 

2 


14 


HISTORY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES 


CHAPTEE  II. 

Sailors  of  Scandinojvia, — Vasco  da  Gaina. — Sjpectre  of  tht 
Cape, — Improvement  of  Navigation, — Columbus. — Madoc. 

1.  In  spite  of  all  these  difficulties,  however,  navigation  steadily 
advanced.  The  daring  sailors  of  Nor'-way,  Swe'-den,  and  Den'-mark, 
then  called  Scan-di-na'-vi-a,  ventured  forth  in  ships  scarcely  larger  than 
boats,  and  traversed  the  stormy  waters  of  the  NTorth  Atlantic,  discover- 
ing Green'-land  and  Ice'-land.  At  a later  period,  several  navigators 
coasted  along  the  western  shores  of  Africa ; and  finally,  in  1498,  Yas'-co 
da  Ga'-ma,  a Port'-u-guese  navigator,  doubled  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
and  proceeded  by  that  route  to  In'-dia. 


THE  SPECTRE  OF  THE  CAPE. 


2.  This  was  six  years  later  than  the  great  voyage  of  Columbus 
across. the  Atlantic,  of  which  I shall  soon  give  an  account;  hut  such 
were  the  popular  superstitions  of  that  time,  that  the  crew  of  Da  Gama, 
as  they  passed  Table  Rock,  situated  near  the  Cape,  believed  that  they 
saw  in  the  troubled  sky  a huge  spectre  waving  ofi*  their  vessel,  and 


Chap.  II.  What  of  the  sailors  of  Norway,  Sweden,  and  Denmark?  Yasco  da  Gama? 
2.  What  of  the  spectre  of  the  Cape  ? 


IMPROVEMENT  OF  NAVIGATION. 


15 


threatening  destruction  to  all  who  should  dare  to  invade  his  dread 
dominions ! 

3.  ISTevertheless,  as  navigation  improved,  mankind  grew  more  ad- 
venturous upon  the  sea;  and,  by  degrees,  their  knowledge  of  the 
world — its  seas  and  oceans,  its  shores  and  continents — was  so  far  in- 
creased, that  the  Old  World,  or  the  Eastern  Hemisphere,  was  tolerably 
well  understood.  The  idea  had  also  occurred  to  many  individuals, 
that  the  great  oceans  probably  contained  large  masses  of  yet  un- 
discovered land. 

4.  It  seems  to  be  the  course  of  Providence  to  make  a gradual  de- 
velopment of  the  knowledge  which  is  important  to  man ; and  when 
any  great  revelation,  or  any  great  discovery,  is  needful,  the  means  of 
effecting  the  desired  object  are  provided.  The  time  had  at  length  ar- 
rived for  dispelling  the  mystery  which  had  hitherto  brooded  over  the 
mighty  seas ; and  Chris'-to-pher  Co-lum'-bus,  the  instrument  of  accom- 
plishing this  great  work,  was  born  and  trained  for  his  career. 

5.  It  was  he  who  not  only  discovered  America,  but  made  it  known 
to  the  people  of  the  Eastern  Continent.  The  discovery  was  so  new, 
vast,  and  surprising,  that  the  land  he  bad  found  seemed  like  another 
world ; and  accordingly  it  was  called  the  Hew  World. 

6.  But  before  we  proceed  to  speak  more  particularly  of  Co-lum'-bus, 
we  must  say  a few  words  respecting  the  accounts  of  the  discovery  of 
America  previous  to  his  time.  The  Welsh  have  a tradition  of  some 
celebrity,  according  to  which,  a chieftain  of  Wales,  named  Ma'-doc, 
made  several  distant  voyages  to  the  west,  about  the  year  1170. 

7.  In  one  of  these  expeditions,  they  say  that  he  discovered  a fair 
and  large  country;  and,  returning  to  Wales,  took  with  him  a number 
of  his  friends  and  relatives,  and  set  forth  to  settle  there.  From  this 
period  there  was  never  any  thing  heard  of  them.  It  has  been  thought 
that  the  “fair  and  large  country”  was  America,  and  that  these  emi- 
grants went  thither.  But  there  is  no  good  reason  to  believe  this 
tradition. 


CHAPTEE  ni. 

Discovery  cmd  Settlement  of  the  Northmen  in  North 
America. 

1.  The  discovery  of  America  by  the  seamen  of  Horway  and  Denmark, 
called  Horth'-raen,  at  an  earlier  period  than  this  of  which  we  have  just 

3.  What  was  the  result  of  the  improvement  of  navigation  ? What  idea  became  com- 
mon ? 4,  What  of  the  course  of  Providence  ? 5.  What  of  Columbus  ? 6-7.  What  of  the 
tradition  in  respect  to  Madoc  ? 


16  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITE!)  STATES. 


THE  NORTHMEN  GOING  TO  AMERICA. 


spoken,  rests  on  a surer  foundation.  These  were  hj  far  the  most  ad- 
venturous navigators  of  Europe  during  the  Middle  Ages.  Although 
their  vessels  were  small  and  without  decks,  and  they  had  no  knowl- 
edge of  the  mariner’s  compass,  they  fearlessly  traversed  the  N’orth 
cVtlantic,  and  as  early  as  the  year  860  had  discovered  Iceland,  which 
was  colonized  by  the  N^or-we'-gi-ans  in  874. 

2.  Greenland  was  discovered  not  long  after,  and  was  settled  by  two 
colonies,  one  from  Denmark  and  one  from  Norway.  Hence  the  inter- 
course between  this  place  and  the  home  country  became  common. 
According  to  well-authenticated  accounts,  in  the  year  1002,  Lief,  a 
Norwegian,  with  a number  of  men,  set  sail  from  Greenland  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  south-west. 

3.  They  soon  came  to  land,  and,  continuing  their  voyage,  discovered 
a country  of  grapes,  which  they  named  Yin’-land^  or  the  Land  of  Wine. 
The  party  returned  to  Greenland,  hut  soon  after,  Thor'-wald  pursued 
the  discovery  in  the  same  ship.  Having  landed  on  a beautiful  shore, 
he  fell  in  with  savages,  and  was  killed  by  them.  His  party  escaped 
and  returned  to  Greenland. 


Chap.  III.  Who  were  the  Northmen  ? What  of  their  vessels  ? When  did  they  discover 
Iceland?  When  and  by  whom  was  Iceland  settled?  2.  When  was  Greenland  dis- 
covered and  colonized  ? When  did  Lief  sail  on  his  voyage  from  Greenland  ? 8.  What 
did  Lief  discover  ? What  of  Thorwald  ? What  was  his  fate  ? . 


VOYAGES  OF  THE  NORTHMEN. 


17 


4.  Thor'-stein,  the  brother  of  Lief  and  Thorwald,  undismayed  by 
the  fate  of  his  kinsman,  fitted  out  another  expedition  from  Iceland, 
comprising  twenty -five  persons.  They  reached  Vin'-land,  but  en- 
countered great  hardships ; and  Thorstein  died  of  the  scurvy  shortly 
after  his  return. 

5.  Another  adventurer,  named  Thor'-finn,  undertook  an  expedition 
on  a much  larger  scale  than  any  of  the  preceding.  He  fitted  out  three 
vessels,  with  upwards  of  a hundred  emigrants,  carrying  cattle,  furni- 
ture, tools,  &c.  They  had  a prosperous  voyage,  and,  on  reaching  Yin- 
land,  found  a large  whale  cast  ashore,  which  afibrded  them  ample 
subsistence  for  a time.  They  cut  down  trees  and  built  themselves 
houses.  A party  of  savages  paid  them  a visit,  who  were  affrighted 
beyond  measure  by  the  lowing  of  a bull  they  had  brought  with  them. 

6.  The  hTorthmen  made  presents  to  the  savages,  with  which  they 
were  highly  pleased.  They  appeared  to  be  ignorant  of  edge-tools ; for 
one  of  them  contrived  to  steal  a battle-axe,  with  which  he  sportively 
struck  one  of  his  companions,  as  he  had  been  accustomed  to  do  with 
his  rude  tomahawk,  but  was  astonished  to  find  that  he  had  given 
him  a mortal  wound. 

7.  Thor'-finn  made  many  voyages  to  Yin! and,  and  grew  rich.  His 
latter  days  were  spent  in  Iceland,  where  he  lived  in  great  splendor. 
After  some  time,  other  expeditions  were  made  to  Yinland;  but  the 
adventurers  became  involved  in  bloody  contentions.  Bishop  E'-ric  is 
said  to  have  visited  the  country  in  1321.  Soon  after  this  date,  the 
communication  with  Yinland,  from  some  unknown  cause,  entirely 
ceased,  and  the  country  was  forgotten. 

8.  This  is  the  account  furnished  by  the  Sagas,  or  historical  records 
of  Iceland.  There  is  no  reason  to  doubt  the  general  correctness  of 
these  narratives,  but  writers  are  not  agreed  as  to  the  situation  of 
Yinland.  Some,  who  have  very  carefully  investigated  the  whole  his- 
tory, and  compared  it  with  the  geographical  features  of  the  hTorth 
American  coast,  decide  that  Yinland  is  identical  with  Mas-sa-chu'-setts 
and  Rhode  Island ; but  the  main  colony  of  the  Northmen  was  in  Nar- 
ra-gan'-set  Bay,  and  the  prom'-on-tory  where  Thorwald  was  buried,  is 
Point  AT-der-ton,  at  the  entrance  to  Boston  harbor.  Nevertheless, 
there  is  much  doubt  on  this  subject. 


4.  What  of  Thorstein  ? 5 What  of  Thorfinn  ? What  vessels  did  he  fit  out  ? What  of 
the  whale  ? The  savages  and  the  lowing  of  the  bull  ? 6.  What  of  presents  ? The  battle- 
axe  ? 7.  What  of  Thorfinn  after  leaving  Yinland  ? Bishop  Eric  ? What  of  the  communi- 
cation with  Yinland  ? 8.  What  may  be  said  of  this  account  ? 

2* 


18 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


COLUMBUS  IN  HIS  YOUTH. 


CHAPTER  lY. 

About  Christopher  Columbus — Sis  plans  for  making  dis^ 
coveries — His  cause  espoused  by  the  King  and  Queen  of 
Spain — Departure  of  his  fleet. 

1.  We  must  now  turn  our  attention  to  the  discovery  of  America, 
which  resulted  in  its  occupation  and  settlement  by  the  Europeans. 
Several  hundred  years  had  jjassed  since  the  expeditions  of  the  North- 
men, and  as  their  discoveries  had  not  been  made  known  to  Europe, 
even  the  remembrance  of  them  in  their  own  country  had  faded  away. 

2.  The  person  who  was  the  means  of  making  the  great  discovery 
alluded  to  was  Christopher  Columbus.  He  was  a native  of  Gen'-o-a,  in 


Chap.  IV. — ^1.  What  time  had  passed  since  the  discovery  of  America  by  the  Northmen  2 
2.  What  of  Columbus  ? 


COLUMBUS. 


19 


Italy,  and  was  born  A.  D.,  1435.  He  was  chiefly  employed,  till  he 
was  fourteen  years  of  age,  with  his  father,  in  combing  wool.  He  was 
exceedingly  fond  of  books,  but  the  circumstances  of  his  father  did  not 
allow  him  to  indulge  his  natural  fondness  for  them.  He  was  particu- 
larly pleased  with  books  of  voyages  and  travels,  and  early  manifested 
a desire  to  see  foreign  countries. 

3.  At  length  he  was  allowed  to  go  to  sea.  His  first  voyages  were 
in  the  Med-i-ter-ra'-nean.  Of  these,  history  tells  but  little.  We  know 
that  he  was  employed  for  a time  in  a war  between  the  Venetians  and 
the  Mohammedans,  and  that  in  one  instance,  when  the  vessel  to  which 
he  belonged  had  taken  fire,  he  saved  his  life  by  swimming  ashore. 

4.  But  Columbus  was  too  active  and  enterprising  to  be  always  con- 
fined to  the  narrow  limits  of  the  Mediterranean.  He  travelled  to 
almost  every  part  of  the  world  which  was  then  known ; and  his  prac- 
tical mind  at  length  led  him  to  contemplate  a voyage  to  parts  which 
had  not  yet  been  even  thought  of  by  most  persons. 

5.  The  mariners  of  the  fifteenth  century,  as  we  have  already  shown, 
knew  little  of  foreign  countries.  Their  knowledge  was  chiefly  con- 
fined to  the  coasts  and  islands  of  Europe.  They  had  never  ventured 
so  far  along  the  shores  of  Africa  as  to  cross  the  equator.  The  trade 
with  the  East  Indies  was  at  that  time  carried  on  by  land,  and  the  West 
Indies  were  of  course  undiscovered. 

6.  The  strong  desire  which  was  felt  by  commercial  men  to  find  out 
a path  to  the  East  Indies  by  water,  led  to  much  conversation  on  the 
subject ; and  some  persons  began  to  think  and  speak  of  the  probability 
of  reaching  that  part  of  the  world  by  sailing  round  the  southern  point 
of  Africa.  But  Columbus  had  a plan  which  extended  still  further. 

7.  Having  adopted  the  idea,  from  books  of  geography  and  astron- 
omy, that  the  earth  was  round,  it  very  naturally  occurred  to  him  that 
there  might  be  more  land  somewhere  to  counterpoise  what  was  already 
known  on  one  side  of  the  globe ; and  that  it  was  at  least  quite  pos- 
sible to  find  the  East  Indies  by  sailing  westward. 

8.  But  what  was  to  be  done?  He  and  his  friends  were  poor,  and  it 
would  require  much  money  to  fit  out  an  expedition  like  that  which 
the  prosecution  of  his  schemes  would  demand.  He  was  therefore  com- 
pelled to  seek  the  patronage  and  pecuniary  aid  of  others. 

9.  He  first  explained  his  views  and  stated  his  plans  to  the  senate  of 
his  native  country,  Genoa — then  a flourishing  commercial  state — but 
as  he  found  no  encouragement  there,  he  applied  to  the  king  of  Por'-tu- 


3.  What  more  of  Columbus?  4.  What  of  the  travels  of  Columbus?  What  did  he 
begin  to  contemplate  ? 5.  What  of  the  mariners  of  the  fifteenth  century  ? 6.  What  wag 
the  desire  of  commercial  men  ? T.  What  was  the  plan  of  Columbus  ? 8.  What  difl&cul- 
ties  were  in  the  way  of  Oolumbufi  ? 9.  What  did  Columbus  do  ? 


20  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

gal  and  the  king  and  queen  ^ Spain.  They  heard  him  with  patience, 
but  believing  him  to  be  somewhat  visionary,  they  were  not  disposed  to 
afford  him  the  necessary  aid.  Still  he  was  not  discouraged. 

10.  He  had  by  this  time  drawn  into  his  service  his  younger  brother 
Bar-thor-o-mew.  The  latter  had  even  been  sent  to  England  to  solicit 
aid  from  King  Henry  YII. ; but  the  vessel  in  which  lie  went  was 
taken  by  pirates,  and  nothing  more  was  heard  for  some  time,  either 
of  him  or  his  undertaking. 


COLUMBUS  PREPARING  TO  LEAVE  PALOS. 


11.  In  the  mean  time,  the  appeal  to  the  king  and  queen  of  Spain 

had  been  renewed,  and  after  the  lapse  of  about  eight  years  it  was  suc- 
cessful. Fer'-di-nand  and  Is-a-bel'-la  agreed  to  furnish  three  small 
vessels  and  niiiety  men,  and  provisions  for  one  year.  Such  an  outfit, 
small  as  it  may  seem  to  us,  was  then  deemed  exceedingly  liberal. 
Queen  Isabella  even  parted  with  her  jewels  to  aid  in  paying  the  ex- 
penses. ^ 

12.  Preparations  were  made  at  the  little  port  of  Pa'-los,  for  the 


10.  What  of  the  brother  of  Columbus  ? 11.  Wha^f  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  ? 


DISCOVERY  OF  AMERICA. 


21 


equipment  of  the  vessels  destined  for  the  enterprise.  Having  been  duly 
appointed  high-admiral  of  all  the  seas  he  might  discover,  and  also  sol- 
emnly consecrated  by  the  head  of  the  Fran-cis'-can  monastery  at  Palos, 
Columbus  entered  his  ship  and  gave  orders  to  spread  the  sails. 

13.  The  names  of  the  three  vessels  that  thus  set  out  for  America, 
were  the  San'-ta  Ma-ri'-a,  the  Pin'-ta,  and  the  M'-na.  The  two  latter 
were  mere  barks,  but  the  Santa  Maria,  Columbus’  own  vessel,  was  of 
considerable  size.  In  addition  to  the  crew  of  ninety  men,  about  thirty 
other  persons  went  out  with  them  as  mere  adventurers. 


CHAPTEE  V. 

First  Voyage  of  Columbus  across  the  Atlantic — His  Dis' 
covery  of  America, 

1.  ColtjMbtjs  was  now  not  far  from  fifty-five  years  of  age.  He  had 
spent  forty  years  at  sea,  and  nearly  twenty  in  planning  this  western 
voyage.  The  day  of  his  setting  sail  must  have  been  a proud  one  to 
him.  How  must  his  strong  heart  have  beat  high  with  emotion ! 

2.  The  little  fleet  left  the  port  of  Palos,  in  Spain,  on  the  morning  of 
August  3d,  1492.  Their  course  was  south-westward  till  they  reached 
the  Canary  Islands,  after  which  they  proceeded  nearly  west.  They 
had  a good  deal  of  unfavorable  weather,  and  were  sixty  days  in  reach- 
ing the  West  Indies. 

3.  In  order  to  understand  the  feelings  of  Columbus  and  liis  men 
during  this  long  and  eventful  voyage,  we  must  consider  that  their 
vessels  were  small  and  feeble  compared  with  the  ships  of  the  present 
day;  and  we  must  remember  also  that  they  were  entering  upon  an 
unknown  sea,  which,  according  to  popular  belief,  was  full  of  the  most 
awful  dangers. 

4.  As  they  proceeded  on  their  unknown  path,  after  leaving  the 
Canaries,  the  aspect  of  nature  seemed  to  change ; the  sky,  the  stars, 
the  color  of  the  water  appeared  strange,  and  to  the  imagination  of  the 
sailors,  ominous  and  fearful.  Even  the  needle  of  the  compass,  hitherto 
pointing  to  the  polar  star,  seemed  affected  with  some  sinister  infiu-^ 
ence,  for  it  now  tremblingly  diverged  to  the  north-west. 


12.  What  of  the  preparations  made  ? 13.  What  of  the  ships  and  men  of  Columbus  ? 

Chap.  Y. — 1.  What  was  the  age  of  Columbus  at  the  time  of  setting  sail  upon  his  voy- 
age ? How  long  a time  had  he  spent  in  planning  his  voyage  ? 2.  When  did  the  fleet 
sail  ? What  of  their  course  ? 8.  What  was  the  popular  belief  as  to  the  Atlantic  ocean  at 
this  time?  4 What  of  the  sky,  sea,  and  stars,  as  Columbus  advanced?  What  of  the 
compass  ? 


22 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


5.  These  things  greatly  disturbed  the  navigators,  but  at  length  the 
air  became  more  balmy,  and  aquatic  plants,  apparently  detached  from 
some  shore,  floated  upon  the  sea : at  the  same  time  sweet  odors  fllled 
the  air,  and  birds  were  seen  on  the  wing. 

6.  But  now  another  strange  thing  appeared  : the  sea  was  so  covered 
with  vegetation  as  to  impede  the  vessels.  About  the  same  time  the 
trade-wdnds,  which  blow  steadily  in  one  direction  for  several  months 
of  the  year,  and  which  these  adventurers  had  never  heard  of,  began  to 
bear  them  along,  in  a direction  away  from  their  home. 

7.  The  sailors  had  several  times  been  nearly  in  a state  of  mutiny, 
on  account  of  their  fears,  but  now  their  terrors  and  their  disobedience 
were  renewed.  They  believed  that  they  had  arrived  at  the  very  limits 
of  the  world,  and  that  unless  they  speedily  returned,  they  would  never 
again  see  their  native  land. 

8.  Columbus  was  an  old  commander,  and  he  resorted  to  various 


5 of  plants,  birds,  etc.  ? 6.  What  of  the  trade-winds?  7.  What  of  the  sailors? 


ATLANTIC  OCEAN, 


23 


MAP  OP  THE  ATLANTIC  OCEAN. 


Note. — The  whole  length  of  the  Atlantic,  from  Greenland  to  Cape  Horn,  is  about  9.00C 
miles;  its  greatest  width  is  about  3,000  miles. 

Questions. — What  countries  bound  the  Atlantic  on  the  east  ? Ans.  Africa  and  Europe 
What  countries  bound  it  on  the  west  ? A North  and  South  America. 

In  what  direction  did  the  Northmen  sail,  in  going  from  Greenland  to  America?  Tn 
what  direction  did  Columbus  sail,  in  going  from  the  Canary  Islands  to  the  West  Indies? 

In  what  directioQ  is  Palos,  in  Spain,  from  the  Island  of  St,  Salvador?  Which  way  is 
Cape  Verd  from  Spain?  Which  way  is  Hayti  from  Spain?  Eio  Janeiro  from  Washixiii* 
ton  ? 


24 


HISTORY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


COLUMBUS  TAKING  POSSESSION  OP  THE  NEWLY  DISCOVERED  ISLAND. 


means  to  allay  the  terrors  and  the  discontent  of  his  crew.  But  now 
their  anxiety  and  impatience  had  reached  such  a pitch  that  it  was 
with  great  difficulty  he  restrained  them  from  open  rebellion. 

9.  Fortunately  the  signs  of  land,  at  no  great  distance,  became  so" 
strong  that  hope  revived  among  the  sailors,  and  they  went  on  their 
way.  At  length,  on  the  11th  of  October,  they  faintly  discovered  land, 
and  on  the  12th  they  were  alongside  of  a beautiful  green  island. 

10.  This  proved  to  be  what  was  called  by  the  natives  Gu-a-na-han'-i, 
one  of  the  Ba-ha'-mas ; but  Columbus  named  it  San  Sal-va-dor'.  It  was 
several  leagues  in  extent,  and  had  inhabitants  upon  it.  As  Columbus 
landed,  he  knelt  and  kissed  the  new  earth,  at  the  same  time  thanking 
God,  who  had  prospered  their  enterprise.  His  men,  impatient  and 
mutinous  as  they  had  been  during  the  voyage,  now  crowded  around 
him  and  begged  his  forgiveness.  The  scene  must  have  been  truly 
affecting. 

11.  The  native  inhabitants  of  the  island,  who  have  since  been  called 
Indians^  were  naked  and  copper-colored,  with  long  black  hair,  and 
without  beards.  These  gathered  around  the  new  comers  in  wonder. 


8.  What  of  Columbus?  9.  What  of  the  men  during  the  voyage  ? What  happened  Octo- 
ber 11.  1492?  What  on  the  12th?  10.  What  was  the  first  land  discovered  in  America? 
What  did  Columbus  do  on  landing?  What  of  his  men? 


DISCOVERY  OF  CUBA. 


25 


PORTRAIT  OP  COLUMBUS. 


not  knowing  what  to  make  of  them.  They  looked  at  the  ships 
with  even  greater  amazement  than  at  the  men,  regarding  them  as 
some  gigantic  species  of  animal ; and  when  cannon  were  discharged, 
they  imagined  them  to  be  engines  with  eyes  of  fire  and  voices  of 
thunder. 

12.  When  Columbus  had  spent  a little  time  in  examining  the  new 
island,  he  proceeded  to  make  further  discoveries.  Cuba  was  dis- 
covered iTovember  7th,  and  His-pa-ni-o'-la  or  St.  Do-min'-go  not  long 
afterward.  These,  however,  were  all  the  lands  which  were  discovered 
during  the  first  voyage.  ‘ As  Columbus  supposed  these  to  be  a part  of 
the  Indies,  they  afterward  acquired  the  name  of  the  West  Indies. 
Columbus  set  out  on  his  return  to  Spain,  January  14th,  1493. 

13.  On  their  passage  homeward,  the  adventurers  encountered  terri- 
ble storms,  in  one  of  which  they  were  near  being  lost.  In  the  moment 


11.  What  of  the  natives  of  the  newly-discovered  island  ? 12.  What  other  discoveries 
did  Columbus  make  during  this  voyage?  ITow  did  the  West  Indies  get  their  name? 
When  did  Columbus  set  sail  on  his  return  ? 

3 


26 


HISTOKY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

of  tlie  greatest  danger,  Columbus  had  presence  of  mind  enough  to 
write  on  parchment  a short  account  of  his  voyage,  enclose  it  in  a cake 
of  wax,  and  commit  it  to  the  sea  in  a cask,  in  hopes  that  if  all  else 
should  be  lost,  this  might  survive,  and  give  information  of  his  dis- 
coveries to  the  world.  After  seventy  days,  however,  they  arrived  safe 
in  Spain. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  other  Voyages  of  Columius. 

1.  When  Columbus  arrived  in  Spain,  the  news  of  his  wonderful  dis, 
coveries  rapidly  spread  far  and  wide  over  the  country,  and  he  was 
everywhere  looked  upon  with  respect  and  admiration.  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella,  then  at  the  city  of  Bar-ce-lo'-na,  received  him  with  the  most 
distinguished  tokens  of  regard. 

2.  He  had  brought  various  specimens  of  the  productions  of  what  was 
now  called  the  New  World,  and  these  were  exhibited  to  tlie  king  and 
queen  and  to  the  court,  who  seemed  to  regard  them  with  wonder  and 
admiration.  No  honors  were  too  great  for  Columbus,  and  a powerful 
fleet  was  placed  at  his  command  for  another  voyage. 

3.  This  was  made  in  the  fall  of  1493,  during  which  Columbus  dis- 
covered Ja-mai'-ca  and  a few  otlier  islands.  But  now  unexpected 
difficulties  occurred.  Enemies  thickened  around  him  and  retarded  his 
progress.  It  was  not  till  the  summer  of  1498  that  he  made  his  third 
voyage,  during  which  he  discovered  the  Continent  of  America,  to  which 
he  had  been  the  first  to  open  a pathway.  Even  then,  being  charged 
with  misconduct,  he  was  carried  home  in  chains. 

4.  Columbus  was  however  liberated,  and  made  a fourth  voyage  to 
America  in  1502,  with  his  brother  Bartholomew  and  his  son  Fernando; 
but  it  was  his  last.  The  same  enmity  which  had  caused  him  to  be  sent 
home  from  his  third  voyage  in  fetters,  still  pursued  him,  and  he  at 
last  became  its  victim.  After  languishing  in  obscurity  and  poverty  for 
a time,  he  died  at  Val-la-dol4d',  in  Spain,  May  20th,  1506,  in  the 
seventy-first  year  of  his  age. 


13.  what  of  the  voyage  homeward  ? 

Chap.  VI. — 1.  How  was  Columbus  received  on.  his  return  to  Spain?  2.  What  of 
the  specimens  of  products  of  the  New  World?  What  of  another  fleet?  8.  When  was 
the  second  voyage  of  Columbus  performed  ? What  did  he  discover  during  his  second 
voyage  ? His  third  voyage  ? 4-  What  of  his  fourth  voyage  ? What  more  of  Colum- 
bus? 


OTHER  DISCOVERIES  IN  AMERICA. 


2r 


aMEUICUS  vespucius. 


5.  Thus  had  America- 
been  discovered  and 
made  known  to  the 
Europeans  by  Chris- 
topher Columbus.  The 
new  continent,  on  every 
just  principle,  should 
have  been  called  Co- 
lumbia, after  its  discov- 
erer. But  A-mer'-i-cus 
Ves-pu'-ci-us,  a Flor-' 
. en-tine,  who  visited  the 
continent  in  1499,  and 
published  a map  of  the 
coast,  pretending  at  the 
same  time  to  have  made 
large  discoveries,  con- 
trived to  have  it  called 
by  his  own  name,  which 
it  has  since  retained. 


CHAPTEE  YII. 

Other  Discoveries  in  America  hy  the  English^  Portuguese 
and  French. 

1.  The  fame  of  what  Columbus  had  done  was  soon  spread  through 
Europe,  and  adventurers  flocked  to  the  '^ew  World — some  for  honor, 
some  for  enterprise,  and  others  for  gain.  In  general,  however,  the 
great  object  of  pursuit  was  gold  and  other  precious  commodities,  as 
will  become  more  evident  in  the  progress  of  our  history. 

2.  John  Cab'-ot,  a Venetian  merchant  who  had  settled  at  Bristol,  in 
England,  sailed  in  May,  1497,  under  the  patronage  of  Henry  YII.  of 
England,  for  the  purpose  of  making  discoveries  in  America,  being 
accompanied  by  his  son  Sebastian,  as  well  as  two  other  sons.  In  the 
course  of  this  voyage,  -in  June,  he  discovered  a portion  of  the  coast  of 
Labrador,  and  thus  was  the  first  discoverer  of  the  continent  of  Amer- 
ica. He  soon  returned,  but  not  long  after  his  son  Sebastian  explored 
the  coast  from  Labrador  to  Virginia,  claiming  the  country  in  the  name 
of  the  king  of  England. 

5.  What  of  the  name  of  America?  Americus  Yespuciiis? 

Chap.  YII  — 1,  What  followed  the  discoveries  of  Columbus?  What  were  the  objecta 
of  the  early  adventurers  in  America?  2.  What  of  John  Cabot? 


28  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

3.  In  1501,  the  king  of  Portugal  sent  out  a fleet  of  discovery  under 
the  command  of  Gas'-par  Cor-te-re'-al.  He  sailed  along  the  shores  of 
North  America  six  or  seven  hundred  miles;  but  he  appears  to  have 
thought  more  of  money  than  any  tiling  else ; and  not  finding  gold,  he 
seized  on  fifty  of  the  native  Indians,  carried  them  home,  and  sold 
them  as  slaves. 

4.  Emboldened  by  his  success,  he  made  a second  voyage,  but  did 
not  live  to  return.  The  general  belief  is  that  he  lost  his  life  in  at- 
tempting to  secure  another  cargo  of  slaves,  and  that  Labrador  was  the 
theatre  of  his  crime  and  its  punishment.  This,  hov^ever,  is  not  quite 
certain. 

5.  The  French,  too,  engaged  in  attempts  to  make  discoveries.  Their 
operations,  however,  were  at  first  principally  about  the  mouth  of  the 
St.  Law'-rence,  and  the  islands  of  Newfoundland  and  Cape  Bre'-ton. 
By  the  year  1505  or  1506,  they  were  quite  familiar  with  this  region, 
and  Den'-ys  of  Hon-fleur^  liad  drawn  a map  of  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence. 

6.  As  early  as  1508,  the  French  had  become  much  engaged  in  the 
fisheries  on  the  northeast  coast  of  the  present  United  States,  and,  as 
if  to  follow  up  the  wicked  example  of  the  Portuguese,  and  involve  the 
first  settlers  in  cruel  wars,  had  forcibly  carried  away  to  France  some 
of  the  natives.  They  appear  also  to  have  meditated  the  establishment 
of  colonies  in  the  New  World. 


CHAPTEE  VIII. 

Various  Discoveries  in  North  America, — The  Voyage  of 
Verrazani, — Discoveries  of  Cartier. — Ponce  de  Leon.~ 
Ferdinand  de  Soto. — Sir  Walter  Rcdeigh. 

1.  One  of  the  most  remarkable  voyages  of  discovery  was  made  in 
1524.  Fran'-cis  I.,  king  of  France,  sent  out  to  America,  Yer-ra-za'-ni, 
a Flor'-en-tine,  who,  with  a single  vessel,  the  Dolphin,  after  a long 
voyage  of  fifty  days,  in  which  he  encountered  a terrible  storm, 
reached  North  Carolina;  thence,  sailing  northward,  he  explored  the 
coasts  of  New  Jersey,  Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts,  Maine,  and  Nova 
Scotia,  and  returned  to  France.  He  also  paid  some  attention  to  the 
coasts  of  Florida,  which,  however,  had  been  previously  occupied  by 
the  Spaniards. 


8,  4.  What  of  the  king  of  Portugal  and  Gaspar  Cortereal  ? 5,  6.  What  of  the  French  ? 
Chap.  VIII. — 1.  What  remarkable  voyage  took  place  in  1524? 


VARIOUS  DISCOVERIES  IN  NORTH  AMERICA.  29 

2.  In  1534,  the  same  king  sent  James  Car'-tier  to  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence  arxd  Newtoundland.  In  a second  voyage,  tliis  navigator 
sailed  up  the  St.  Lawrence  as  far  as  Mon-tre-aL,  to  which  he  gave  its 
present  naine.  He  learned  from  the  Indians  something  of  northern 

l^ew  York  and 
Vermont;  and  lie 
claimed  ])Osses- 
sion  of  Canada 
in  behalf  of  the 
French. 

3.  Though  tlie 
French  were 
early  attracted  to 
Florida,  the  Span- 
iards were  before 
them.  Ponce  de 
Le'-on,  a voy- 
ager with  Colum- 
bus, having  be- 
come disaffected 
DEATH  OP  PONCE  DE  LEON.  toward  him,  pro- 

ceeded from  Por- 
to V\\Qo[ree' -co\  in  March,  1512,  to  make  discoveries  by  himself,  lie 
found  a new  region,  on  the  6th  of  April,  to  which  he  gave  the  name 
of  Florida^  on  account  of  its  florid  or  blooming  appearance. 

4.  The  king  of  Spain,  in  whose  name  Leon  claimed  the  country, 
appointed  him  the  governor  of  it,  on  condition  of  his  establishing  a 
colony  there.  In  attempting  to  effect  a settlement,  he  met  with  many 
remarkable  adventures ; Anally  his  people  were  attacked  by  the  Indians 
and  driven  away,  and  he  was  himself  mortally  wounded. 

5.  In  1520,  two  ships  were  fitted  out  at  St.  Do-min'-go,  which  pro- 
ceeded to  the  coast  of  South  Carolina,  andhaving  decoyed  some  native 
Indians  on  board,  suddenly  set  sail,  and  carried  them  to  St.  Domingo. 
It  is  not  surprising,  from  this  and  similar  outrages,  that  the  savages  of 
the  continent,  from  one  end  of  it  to  the  other,  became  suspicious  of 
white  men. 

6.  In  1540,  Ferdinand  de  So'-to  made  a tour  through  Florida,  north- 
ward, to  Georgia,  and  thence  westward,  across  the  Cher-o-kee'  country 
and  Alabama,  to  the  country  of  the  Chick-a-saws',  where  he  spent  the 
winter.  In  the  spring  of  1541,  he  discovered  and  crossed  the  Missis- 


2.  What  occurred  in  respect  to  Cartier  in  1534?  3,  4.  What  of  Florida  and  Fonce  de  Leon? 
6 Capture  of  Indians  ? 6.  What  of  Ferdinand  de  Soto 

3* 


30  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

sippi,  and  traveled  in  Arkansas  and  Missouri.  He  died  in  1542,  and 
his  companions  passed  through  Louisiana  to  Mexico. 

7.  The  details  of  this  expedition  are  full  of  interest.  The  Indians  of 
these  regions,  at  this  period,  were  numerous,  and  their  manners 

and  customs  pre- 
sent much  that 
is  curious. 

8.  We  have 
already  seen  that 
the  English, 
through  the  Cab- 
ots, had  estab- 
lished exclusive 
claims  in  the  new 
continent.  In 
1584,  Queen  EIL 
zabeth  having 
made  a grant  to 
the  celebrated 
and  accomplish- 
ed Sir  W alter 

Ra'-leigh,  he  sent  hither  two  ships  on  a voyage  of  discovery.  These 
entered  Pamlico  Sound,  and  explored  the  coast  to  the  northward.  The 
queen  bestowed  upon  this  region  the  title  of  Virginia. 

9.  Among  the  discoveries  of  minor  importance,  made  toward  the^ 
close  of  the  sixteenth  century,  were  those  of  Bar-thol'-o-mew  Gos'-nold, 
an  Englishman.  In  a voyage  to  Virginia,  as  the  whole  coast  was  then 
called,  he  discovered  and  named  Cape  Cod,  Martha’s  Vineyard,  and 
Elizabeth  Island,  belonging  to  Massachusetts ; he  attempted  to  form  a 
settlement  on  the  latter,  but  without  success. 


SIR  WALTER  RALEIGH. 


CHAPTEE  IX. 

The  Native  Inhabitants  of  the  New  World, — Peculiar 
Plants  and  Animals, 

1.  While  the  various  nations  of  Europe  were  thus  making  discov- 
eries along  the  eastern  coast  of  Horfch  America,  the  Spaniards  were 


7.  What  of  the  southern  Indians  ? 8.  What  of  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  ? 9.  What  of  Gosnold? 
Chap.  IX.— 1.  What  of  the  enterprises  of  the  Spaniards  in  the  West  Indies? 


NATIVE  INHABITANTS 


0 1 

01 


^iNDIANS  LOOKING  AT  THJB  APPROACH  OF  COLUMBUS’  FLEET. 


extending  their  enterprise  amon^  the  various  West  India  Islands,  as 
well  as  upon  the  continent  around  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

2-  One  striking  fact  was  manifest,  that  all  the  native  inhabitants  of 
America  were  of  one  race-,  they  were  also  of  a reddish  skin,  having 
black  hair,  black  eyes,  and  a somewhat  dark  and  brooding  character. 
They  received  the  name  of  Indians,  as  before  intimated,  and  in  the 
early  histories  of  America  were  called  the  Jded  Men^  in  distinction  from 
Europeans,  who  were  called  the  White  Men, 

3.  These  Indians  were  divided  into  many  nations  and  tribes,  and 
spoke  many  different  languages.  In  the  northern  parts  of  North 
America,  they  were  divided  into  a multitude  of  savage  bands,  living 
by  war  and  the  chase.  In  the  West  India  Islands  they  were  in  general 
a gentle  race,  living  happily  upon  the  natural  fruits  of  the  soil,  though 
some  tribes  were  fierce  and  wild,  and  even  feasted  on  human  fiesh. 


Describe  the  natives  of  Amei'ica?  What  names  were  applied  to  them  ? 3.  Whui  oi 
6he  Indians  in  the  northern  parts  of  North  America?  In  the  West  Indies? 


32 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  In  Mexico,  there  was  a large  and  powerful  nation,  which  had  • 
made  some  advances  in  civilization^  hut  was  still  in  a barbarous  state. 
About  the  year  1520,  this  was  invaded  and  conquered  by  the  Spaniards, 
under  the  celebrated  Eer-nan'-do  Oor'-tez. 

5.  In  the  north-western  part  of  the  continent  of  South  America  there 
was  a great  empire  of  native  Indians,  called  Peru,  which  had  also 
reached  a certain  pitch  of  civilization ; but  about  the  year  1531  tliis 
was  acquired  and  subjected  to  Spain  by  Pi-zar'-ro. 

6.  In  other  portions  of  South  America,  the  natives,  chiefly  savages, 
were  conquered  by  the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese. 

7.  We  must  here  mention  another  curious  fact,  which  is,  that  the 
Europeans,  on  arriving  in  America,  discovered  many  plants  and  animals 
which  they  had  never  seen  before.  They  discovered  Indian  corn, 
potatoes,  and  tobacco ; these  were  carried  to  Europe,  and  were  then 
for  the  first  time  cultivated  there. 

8.  They  also  discovered  here  many  kinds  of  birds  and  beasts,  such 
as  did  not  exist  in  the  Old  World  ; among  them  were  turkeys,  bisons, 
and  lamas.  They  also  found  that  America  had  no  such  animals  as 
horses,  cows,  or  sheep;  nor  had  they  any  domestic  cats,  dogs,  hens, 
or  chickens.  These  animals,  now  so  common  here,  were  first  brought 
hither  from  Europe. 


CHAPTEE  X. 

English  Colony  sent  out  to  Virginia. — Settlement  at 
Jamestown. 

1.  We  must  now  leave  the  general  current  of  events  in  America, 
and  turn  our  attention,  particularly,  to  the  settlement  and  progress  of 
our  own  country,  the  United  States,  While  the  Spaniards,  Portuguese, 
French,  and  other  nations,  were  carving  out  the  Kew  World  to  suit 
themselves,  we  must  consider  the  operations  of  the  English  in  North 
A.merica. 

2.  But,  as  our  attention  will  first  be  directed  to  the  southern  section 
of  our  country,  let  us  study  the  map  at  page  83.  Tliis  presents  us  witli 
a view  of  the  Southern  States,  as  they  now  appear.  We  here  see 


4.  What  of  Cortez?  5.  What  of  Pizarro?  6.  What  happened  in  other  parts  of  South 
America?  7.  What  new  plants  did  the  Europeans  discover  in  America?  8.  What  new 
animals  ? What  domestic  animals  did  not  exist  in  America  when  it  was  discovered  ? 

Chap.  X.— 1,  2.  Let  the  teacher  put  such  questions  as  he  deems  necessary  upon  the 
map. 


ENGLISH  COLONY  SENT  TO  VIRGINIA. 


33 


divisions  of  states  and  locations  of  towns,  which  did  not  exist  at  the 
time  at  which  our  history  commences.  The  mountains,  rivers,  shores, 
and  waters  were,  however,  the  same. 


MAP  OF  SOUTHERN  STATES, 


3.  One  hundred  and  fifteen  years  had  passed  away,  after  the  dis- 
covery of  America  by  Columbus,  and  one  hundred  and  ten  after  the 


8.  How  long  a time  had  elapsed  after  the  discovery  of  America,  before  any  permanent 
settlement  was  made  in  the  present  United  States  ? 

2* 


34 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


discovery  of  tlie  continent  by  the  Cabots,  and  no  permanent  settlement 
had  been  made  by  the  English  within  the  limits  of  what  are  now 
called  the  United  States. 


BUILDING  AT  JAMESTOWN. 
#■ 


4.  But  a new  era  in  the  history  of  this  western  world  was  at  hand. 
A company  had  been  formed  in  England,  under  the  patronage  of  kin^ 
James  L,  whose  object  was  to  make  settlements  in  America  between 
the  84th  and  38th  degrees  of  north  latitude,  in  what  was  then  called 
South  Virginia.  For  this  purpose  they  obtained  a royal  grant  or  patent. 

5.  In  May,  1607,  a colony  of  one  hundred  and  five  persons,  under 
the  direction  of  this  company,  arrived  off  the  coast  of  South  Virginia. 
Their  first  intention  had  been  to  form  a settlement  on  Hoanoke  \ro-an-oJce^] 
island,  lying  on  the  coast  of  what  is  now  called  Morth  Carolina;  but, 
being  driven  further  to  the  north  by  a violent  storm,  they  discovered 
and  entered  the  mouth  of  Ches'-a-peake  Bay. 

6.  To  the  capes  of  this  bay,  in  passing,  they  gave  the  names  they 
now  bear — Cape  Charles  and  Cape  Henry — in  honor  of  the  two  sons 
of  the  king  of  England.  To  a point  of  land  further  within. the  mouth 
of  the  bay,  and  near  where  Hamp'-ton  now  stands,  they  gave  the 
name  of  Point  Comfort,  on  account  of  the  comfortable  anchorage  they 
found  there. 


4.  What  company  was  formed  in  the  time  of  James  I.?  5.  What  occurred  in  1307? 
6.  What  of  Capes  Charles  and  Henry?  Point  Comfort? 


SETTLEMENT  AT  JAMESTOWN.  35 

7.  This  first  body  of  ercigrants,  unfortunately,  did  not  consist  o 
families  of  hardy,  enterprising  farmers,  and  otlier  laborers  and  m( 
chanics.  There  were  only  twelve  laborers  and  a few  mechanics  in  th 
company — ^‘forty-eight  gentlemen  and  four  mechanics,”  as  the  his- 
torian informs  us.  All,  moreover,  were  single  men;  not  an  organizec. 
family  being  among  them. 

8.  Tliey  were  commanded  by  Captain  Christopher  Newport,  an  oh. 
and  experienced  navigator.  After  smoking  the  mV-u-met^  or  pipe  of 
peace,  with  the  natives,  on  the  spot  where  the  town  of  Hampton  nov 
stands,  they  proceeded  slowly  up  a river,  which,  in  honor  of  thei 
king,  they  called  James  Eiver. 

9.  But  although  they  began  by  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace,  it  ap- 
pears that  some  of  the  savage  tribes,  as  they  ascended  the  river,  showec. 
signs  of  hostility.  They  had  doubtless  heard  of  tlie  treatment  of  theii 
brethren  at  the  Roanoke  River,  twenty  years  before,  as  will  appear  in 
the  history  of  North  Carolina;  or  perhaps  they  remembered  the  kid- 
nappers of  1520. 

10.  At  length  the  colonists  came  to  a peninsula,  some  fifty  miles  up 
the  river,  on  its  northern  side,  which  they  selected  as  a suitable  place 
on  which  to  establish  themselves.  Here  they  landed,  and  commenced 
the  building  of  houses.  This  place  was  called  Jamestown,  It  was 
now  about  the  middle  of  May. 

11.  The  plan  of  government  for  the  little  colony  had  been  prepared 
for  the  emigrants  before  they  left  England.  One  of  their  first  elForts 
was  to  ratify,  as  it  were,  this  constitution  or  form  of  government. 
The  officers  consisted  of  a council  or  board  of  seven  persons,  from 
whom  they  were  to  select  a president,  who  was  to  act  as  chief  magis- 
trate. 

12.  We  must  not  omit  to  notice  the  method  of  forming  this  first 
United  States  government.  The  London  Company  had  selected  the 
council  before  the  emigrants  set  out,  but  the  names  were  carefully  put 
up  in  a box  and  concealed  till  the  party  should  arrive  in  Virginia;  they 
were  then  to  open  it  and  organize  themselves.  A code  of  laws,  which 
had  also  been  prepared  by  the  Company,  was  to  be  at  the  same  time 
promulgated. 

13.  The  names  of  the  seven  councillors  were  Bartholomew  Gosnold, 
the  navigator,  John  Smith,  Edward  Wingfield,  Christopher  Netvport, 
John  Ratcliff,  John  Martin,  and  George  Kendall.  They  made  choice 
of  Mr  Wingfield  for  their  president. 


T.  What  of  the  first  body  of  emigrants?  Of  .what  class  was  it  composed?  8.  Who  com- 
manded the  expedition  ? 9.  What  of  the  Indians?  What  of  Jamestown  ? 11,  12,  What 
^f  the  government  of  the  colony?  13.  Who  were  the  councillors? 


36 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  XL 

Visit  to  Powhatan, — Account  of  the  Indians  in  this 
Quarter. — Sad  Condition  of  the  Colony. 

1.  While  a part  of  the  colonists  were  hnsj  in  clearing  the  soil  and 
building  suitable  huts  and  fortifications,  Captain  Newport,  in  company 
with  Captain  John  Smith,  ascended  the  James  Kiver  to  the  Falls,  and 
visited  Pow-ha-tan',  the  chief  of  the  Indians  in  those  parts,  at  his 
principal  seat,  just  below  where  Kich'-mond  now  stands. 

2.  The  Indians  in  these  regions  were  quite  numerous,  though  the 
place  where  Powhatan  lived  had  only  twelve  houses.  These  were, 
like  the  other  dwellings  of  the  savages,  mere  huts  or  tents  made  of 
sticks,  bark,  and  leaves,  and  were  called  'wigwams. 

3.  The  visitors  found  Powhatan  and  his  tribe  to  he  in  a very  rude 
and  savage  state ; they  lived  chiefiy  by  fishing  and  hunting,  though 
they  cultivated  Indian  corn  and  a few  other  articles.  They  were  nearly 
naked,  hut  sometimes  wore  the  skins  of  wild  beasts.  They  were  often 
at  war  with  other  tribes ; their  chief  weapons  in  war  and  the  chase 
were  the  how  and  arrow  and  the  tomahawk,  the  latter  being  a kind  of 
small  axe. 

4.  After  a short  stay.  Captain  Newport  left  the  colony  for  England. 
No  settlement  was  ever  left  in  a more  pitiable  condition.  To  say 
nothing  of  the  danger  from  savage  foes,  their  provisions  were  poor 
and  insufficient,  the  water  Avas  unwholesome,  and  the  summer  heat  in-^^ 
tolerable  to  those  who  had  been  accustomed  to  a cooler  climate:  many 
of  them  were  ill,  and  those  who  were  not  so  Avere  discouraged. 

5.  In  less  than  a fortnight  after  the  departure  of  the  fleet,  hardly  ten 
of  them  were  able  to  stand  ; and  scarcely  five  were  fit  to  guard  the 
fort,  or  plant  crops  for  future  sustenance.  The  sickness  increased,  till, 
in  some  instances,  three  or  four  died  in  a night.  Fifty  of  them,  or 
about  half  the  colony,  perished  before  autumn  came  on. 

6.  To  complete  the  catalogue  of  evils,  they  quarrelled  among  them- 
selves. They  first  excluded  Captain  Smith  from  the  council,  profess- 
edly on  account  of  sedition,  but  really  and  truly  from  motives  of  envy. 
Next  they  deposed  Mr.  Wingfield,  the  president,  and  appointed  Mr. 
Batcliff  in  his  stead,  who  Avas  no  better,  and  thus  things,  for  some 
time,  went  on. 

7.  They  discovered,  at  last,  that  Captain  Smith,  whom  they  had  so 


Chap.  XI. — 1-3.  What  of  Captain  Newport  and  Captain  Smith?  4.  What  was  the  state 
of  the  colony  when  Captain  Newport  departed  with  the  fleet?  5.  What  soon  followed? 
6.  What  added  to  the  evils  of  the  colony  ? 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  SMITH. 


37 


much  hated,  was  the  best  man  among  them,  and  their  chief  depend- 
ence. In  truth,  as  it  afterward  proved,  they  could  not  do  without  him 
In  peace  or  in  war.  Money,  with  him,  was  not,  as  with  most  men,  and 
especially  those  of  this  colony,  a main  object:  the  good  of  his  fellow^ 
men  seems  to  have  been  the  higher  motive  in  his  breast. 

8.  Captain  Smith  became  so  identified  with  the  history  of  the  colony, 
and,  indeed,  with  the  history  of  our  country  and  our  race,  that  it  may 
be  well  to  give  a more  particular  account  of  him — his  birth,  education, 
and  adventures  in  early  life. 


CHAPTEE  XII. 


Captain  John  Smith, — Jlis  remarJcable  Life  and  Adven- 
tures,— He  joins  the  Expedition  to  Yirginia, — Makes 
Treaties  with  the  Indians,^  etc. 


1,  This  most  remarkable  man  of  all  the  first  settlers  of  Jamestown, 

was  born  in  Lin- 
colnshire, Eng- 
land, in  1579.  He 
w^as  put  as  an  ap- 
prentice to  a mer- 
chant, at  the  age 
of  fifteen,  but,  dis- 
liking the  busi- 
ness, he  left  his 
master,  proceeded 
to  Holland,  enlist- 
ed for  a time  as  a 
soldier,  and  at 
length  found  his 
way  to 'Austria. 

2.  Here  he  en- 
tered the  Austrian 

army,  then  engaged  in  a war  with  the  Turks.  After  many  singular 
adventures,  and  not  a few  hazardous  exploits  in  single  combat — hav- 
ing, in  three  several  instances,  cut  off  the  heads  of  his  antagonists — 


7.  What  of  Captain  Smith?  8.  Why  is  it  proper  to  tell  the  story  of  Captain  Smith  in 
detail  ? 

Chap.  XII. — 1.  When  and  where  was  Captain  John  Smith  horn?  What  of  his  early 
life?  2.  What  happened  to  him  in  Austria? 

4 


38 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


lie  was  at  length  wounded,  taken  prisoner,  and,  on  his  recovery,  sold 
as  a slave. 

8.  In  this  situation  he  behaved  so  well  as  speedily  to  win  the  con- 
fidence of  his  new  mistress,  who,  with  a view  to  restore  to  him  his 
freedom,  sent  him  to  her  brother,  an  officer  at  the  Ori-me'-a,  in  Russia. 
Here,  contrary  to  her  expectations,  he  was  put  to  the  severest  drudgery, 
and  his  life  made  a burden. 

4.  Determined  to  escape  from  his  new  master,  he  at  length  found  a 
convenient  opportunity.  He  was  employed  in  threshing,  about  three  ^ 
miles  from  the  house.  Here  his  master  visited  him  once  a day.  Watch- 
ing his  opportunity,  Smith  dispatched  him  with  the  flail,  hid  his  body 
in  the  straw,  and,  mounting  his  horse,  fled  to  the  woods. 

5.  After  wandering  several  days,  uncertain  of  his  fate,  he  came  to 
a guide-post.  By  means  of  the  marks  on  this,  he  found  his  way. 
Thus  he  returned,  through  Russia,  Poland,  Germany,  and  France,  to 
his  native  country ; though  on  his  way  he  passed  through  Spain,  and 
vflsited  the  kingdom  of  Mo-roc'-co,  in  Africa,  ivhere  he  spent  a short 
lime. 

6.  He  reached  England  just  as  companies  were  being  formed  for 
Bettling  the  new  continent  of  America.  As  he  had  lost  none  of  his 
courage  or  energy,  he  was  admirably  adapted  to  the  hazardous  un- 
dertaking. He  was  immediately  attached  to  the  expedition  under 
Captain  Newport,  and  made,  as  we  have  seen,  one  of  the  members  of 
the  Virginia  council. 

7.  Small  bodies  of  men,  when  exposed  to  great  danger,  are,  for  the 
most  part,  united  among  themselves.  But  it  was  not  so,  as  we  have"" 
seen,  with  the  Jamestown  colony.  There  was  no  bond  of  union,  even 
in  the  hour  of  danger.  To  restore  harmony,  then,  was  the  first  object 
to  which  Smith,  who  had  now  recovered  his  influence,  directed  his 
attention. 

8.  Peace  and  order,  by  his  efforts,  being  at  length  restored,  he  found 
leisure  to  do  something  toward  defending  the  colony  from  foes  with- 
out. The  Indians  threatened  them ; but  he  made  treaties  with  them, 
and  thus  succeeded  in  quieting  them  for  the  present,  as  well  as  in  re- 
moving the  fears  which  had  agitated  the  colony. 


3.  What  happened  to  him  among  the  Turks?  4,  5.  What  of  his  escape  ? 6.  What  of 
Smith  respecting  the  American  colony?  7.  What  was  the  state  of  the  colony  when 
Smith  recovered  his  influence  ? 8.  What  did  he  do  ? 


EXPLORATIONS  OF  SMITH. 


39 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Cajjtain  Smith  goes  on  an  Exploring  Voyage, — He  is  tahen 
Prisoner,^  and  carried  before  Powhatan, 

1.  As  soon  as  the  colony  became  secure,  and  was  well  supplied  with 
provhions,  Smith  undertook  a voyage  of  discovery.  An  opinion  pre- 
vailed among  the  first  voyagers  to  America,  into  which  Smith  had 
fallen  among  the  rest,  that  it  was  only  a little  way  across  the  country 
to  the  South  Sea,  then  deemed  the  ocean  path  to  every  kind  of  wealth. 
They  supposed  that  by  ascending  almost  any  river  which  came  from 
the  north-west,  they  could  soon  find  a passage  by  water  thither. 


CAPTAIN  SMITH  ON  AN  EXPLORING  VOYAGE. 


2.  The  Chick-a-hom'4-ny  River  is  a branch  of  the  James,  uniting  wilh 
it  a little  above  Jamestown.  With  a small  number  of  associates.  Smith 
ascended  it  in  a barge  as  far  as  it  was  boatable,  and  then,  leaving  tlm 
barge  with  a part  of  the  men,  who  were  to  remain  on  board,  ascended 
In  a canoe  still  higher  up  the  stream. 


Chap,  XIII. — 1.  What  opinion  had  Smith  adopted?  2.  What  river  did  Smith  ascend 
«rith  an  exploring  party  ? 


40 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


3.  He  had  no  sooner  left  the  boat,  than  the  crew  went  ashore  at  the 
very  spot  where  a brother  of  Powhatan,  with  some  Indians,  lay  in 
ambush.  They  seized  one  of  the  men,  and,  after  having  compelled 
him  to  tell  them  which  way  their  commander  had  gone,  they  cruelly 
murdered  him,  and  then  went  in  pursuit  of  Smith  and  his  party. 

4.  Having  proceeded  about  twenty  miles,  they  overtook  and  at- 
tacked them,  killing  the  companions  of  Smith,  and  w^omiding  him. 
They  then  surrounded  and  attempted  to  take  him;  hut,  though 
wounded,  he  defended  himself  until  he  had  killed  three  of  his  assail- 
ants, when  he  sank  deep  in  a marsh  and  was  captured. 

5.  Smith  knew  the  character  of  the  Indians,  and  set  about  devising 
expedients  to  prolong  his  life.  He  took  from  his  pocket  a compass, 
and  amused  his  captors  by  showing  them  the  vibrations  of  the  needle. 
He  thus  excited  their  curiosity,  and  by  various  means  arrested  their 
immediate  purpose  of  taking  his  life. 

6.  He  was,  however,  detained,  and  was  obliged  to  exercise  his  inge- 
nuity to  amuse  the  savages.  He  endeavored  to  give  them  some  faint 
notions  of  the  earth  and  the  visible  heavenly  bodies ; he  also  wrote  a 
note  on  a piece  of  paper  and  sent  it  to  the  colonists  at  Jamestown, 
thus  showing  that  by  this  means  he  could  communicate  with  his 
friends. 

7.  Thus  the  savages  came  to  the  conclusion  that  their  prisoner  was 
a magician,  and  it  might  not  be  safe  to  destroy  him ; therefore  they 
at  length  concluded  to  conduct  him  to  Powhatan.  He  was  bound  for 
this  purpose  and  brought  before  the  king,  whom  he  found  seated  on  a 
wooden  throne,  with  two  girls,  his  daughters,  at  his  side.  After  a 
consultation  with  his  principal  men,  it  was  determined  to  put  him  to 
death,  and  they  proceeded  to  make  the  preparations. 


OHAPTEE  XIY. 

The  Story  of  Pocahontas, — She  saves  Captain  SmitKs  Life^ 
and  hecomes  the  Friend  of  the  English, — She  is  married 
to  Rolfe, 

1.  Two  large  stones  were  brought  in,  and  laid  at  the  feet  of  the 
savage  king,  and  Smith’s  head  was  placed  on  one  of  them,  whde  the 


3.  What  occurred  after  Smith  left  the  boat?  4.  How  was  Smith  pursued  and  taken 5 
5.  What  did  Smith  do?  6.  What  particularly  astonished  the  Indians?  7.  What  did 
the  savages  believe  Smith  to  be  ? Why  did  they  take  him  to  Powhatan  ? What  did 
Powhatan  determine  to  do  ? 

Chap.  XIV. — 1.  What  preparations  were  made  for  the  death  of  Smith? 


STORY  OF  POCAHONTAS. 


41 


savages  gathered  around  to  witness  the  execution.  At  length  the  club 
of  the  destroyer  was  raised,  and  every  one  was  waiting  in  silent  sus- 
pense to  see  it  fall  on  the  victim. 


POCAHONTAS. 


2.  At  this  critical  instant,  Po-ca-hon'-tas,  the  eldest  of  the  king’s 
daughters,  now  scarcely  twelve  years  of  age,  rushed  forward  with  a 
shriek,  and  threw  herself  between  the  unhappy  stranger  and  the  exe- 
cutioner. Her  hair  was  loose,  and  her  eyes  were  wild  and  streaming 
with  tears.  She  raised  her  hands  to  her  father,  and  besought  him, 
with  all  her  power  of  eloquence,  to  spare  his  captive. 

3.  Powhatan,  though  little  used  to  pity,  could  not  resist  her  en- 
treaties and  tears.  He  paused,  and  looked  round  upon  his  warriors,  ay 
if  to  gather  their  opinion  of  what  was  proper  to  he  done.  They  too 
were  touched  with  pity,  though  they  were  savages:  At  last  he  raised 
his  daughter,  and  promised  her  to  spare  the  prisoner’s  life. 

4.  He  was  accordingly  saved,  and  the  very  next  day  conducted  by 


2.  What  did  Pocahontas  now  do ? 3.  What  of  Powhatan  and  the  savages?  4.  What 
was  done  with  Smith  ? What  treaty  did  he  make  ? 

4* 


42 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


a guard  of  twelve  men  to  JamesfOwn.  He  had  been  a prisoner  about 
seven  weeks.  Before  his  departure  he  made  a treaty  with  the  king, 
by  which  he  was  to  send  back  two  cannon  and  a grindstone,  for  which 
Powhatan  was  to  let  him  have  a large  tract  of  country,  and  forever 
regard  him  as  his  son. 

5.  He  reached  Jamestown  in  safety,  but  not  wishing  to  send  guns 
to  the  savages,  he  determined  to  frighten  them.  However,  he  brought 
forward  the  two  cannon  and,  a grindstone,  hut  they  thought  them  too 
heavy  to  carry.  He  then  discharged  the  cannon,  loaded  with  stones, 
among  the  trees,  which  so  terrified  them  that  they  were  glad  to  return 
to  Powhatan  with  a quantity  of  toys  and  trinkets  in  their  stead. 

6.  Powhatan  was  greatly  pleased  with  the  presents,  but  Indian 
friendships  are  not  always  permanent.  Some  time  afterward,  his 
savage  feelings  became  again  excited  against  the  English,  and  a plan 
was  laid  for  cutting  them  all  off  at  a blow,  which,  but  for  the  inter- 
ference of  Pocahontas,  would  probably  have  succeeded.  The  day  and 
the  hour  were  set,  and  Pocahontas  was  informed  of  both. 

7.  The  very  night  before  the  deed  was  to  he  done,  in  the  midst  of  a 
terrible  storm,  which,  with  the  thick  darkness,  kept  the  savages  in  their 
huts,  Pocahontas  proceeded  to  Jamestown,  and  revealed  the  plot.  The 
colonists  were,  therefore,  on  their  guard,  and  a part  of  them  saved. 
This  first  Indian  plot  to  massacre  the  English  took  place  in  1609. 

8.  It  does  not  appear  that  the  savages  ever  found  out  who  revealed 
their  plan,  for  Pocahontas  remained  at  her  father’s  house  for  some  time 
afterward.  In  the  meanwhile,  with  the  aid  of  Captain  Smith,  peace 
was  once  more  established  between  the  two  nations. 

9.  Pocahontas,  having  now  become  the  warm  friend  of  the  English, 
came  every  few  days  to  the  fort  at  Jamestown,  with  her  basket  of  corn 
for  the  garrison,  which  proved  of  great  service  to  them.  At  length, 
however,  she  was  stolen  by  a foraging  party  of  the  white  people,  and 
a large  sum  was  demanded  of  her  father  for  her  ransom. 

10.  Powhatan  was  unwilling  to  comply  with  the  terms  proposed, 
and  began  to  prepare  for  a war  with  the  English ; and  had  it  not  been 
Xbr  an  event  as  singular  as  it  was  unforeseen,  a most  fatal  conflict 
would  doubtless  have  arisen.  A young  Englishman,  by  the  name  of 
Rolfe,  proposed  to  marry  Pocahontas,  and  the  proposal  met  the  appro- 
bation of  the  king. 

11.  She  accordingly  professed  the  faith  of  the  Christian  religion,  and 
was  baptized  from  a font  hewn  from  the  trunk  of  a tree,  in  the  little 


5.  Why  did  not  the  Indians  take  the  cannon?  6.  What  plot  was  soon  laid?  7.  How 
did  Pocahontas  save  the  colony?  8,  9.  What  of  the  capture  of  Pocahontas?  10.  How 
was  war  prevented?  11.  What  of  Pocahontas  as  a wife  and  mother? 


STATE  OF  THE  COLONY. 


43 


rugged  church  at  Jamestown.  Soon  after  she  was  married.  She  be- 
came a faithful  wife  and  an  exemplary  and  pious  mother.  Some  of  the 
principal  families  in  Virginia  are  descended  from  this  union  of  a 
young  planter  with  an  Indian  princess. 

12.  In  1616,  Pocahontas  went  with  her  husband  to  England,  but  she 
was  unhappy  there.  Captain  Smith,  who  was  in  London  at  the  time 
of  her  arrival,  called  to  see  her,  but  he  was  a little  reserved  in  his 
manners  toward  her.  This  added  to  the  intensity  of  her  feelings,  and 
she  wept  like  a child. 

13.  Captain  Smith  inquired  the  cause  of  her  grief.  “Did  I not  save 
thy  life,”  said  she,  “in  America?  When  I was  torn  from  the  arms  of 
my  father,  and  conducted  among  thy  friends,  didst  thou  not  promise 
to  be  a father  to  me  ? Didst  thou  not  say  that  if  I went  into  thy 
country,  thou  wouldst  be  my  father,  and  I should  be  thy  daughter? 
Thou  hast  deceived  me ; and  behold  me  here,  now,  a stranger  and  an 
orphan!” 

14.  Captain  Smith  could  not  resist  such  eloquence.  He  introduced 
her  to  many  families  of  respectability,  and  did  all  he  could,  while  she 
remained  in  England,  to  make  her  happy ; he  never,  however,  ventured 
to  bring  her  before  the  king.  She  fell  a victim  to  the  united  influences 
of  grief  and  the  climate,  and  died  at  the  age  of  twenty -two,  as  she 
was  about  to  re- embark  for  America. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Depressed  State  of  the  Colony. — Arrival  of  Captain  New- 
port and  more  Emigrants. — The  Gold  Fever. — SmitDs 
Voyage  of  Discovery. 

1.  Dueino  the  captivity  of  Captain  Smith,  he  had  been  carried  in 
triumph,  by  the  Indians,  from  the  Chickahominy  Eiver  to  their  vil- 
lages on  the  Rap-pa-han'-nock  and  Po-to'-mac,  and  thence  through  their 
other  settlements  to  the  Pamunkey  river,  and  finally  to  the  lower  resi- 
dence of  Powhatan,  in  what  is  now  called  Gloucester  \glos-teT\  county. 

2.  “It  is  an  ill  wind  that  blows  nobody  good,”  says  an  old  but 
current  and  just  maxim;  and  the  captivity  of  Smith,  though  an  evil 


12.  What  of  Pocahontas  in  the  year  1616?  13, 14.  What  occurred  between  Pocahontas 
and  Captain  Smith  in  England?  What  was  the  fate  of  Pocahontas? 

Chap.  XV. — 1,  2.  What  good  arose  from  Smith’s  capture  by  the  Indians? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


in  itself,  had  its  advantages.  It  gave  him  such  a knowledge  of  the 
country,  and  of  the  character  and  condition  of  the  native  inhabitants, 
as  proved  to  he  of  the  highest  importance  afterward,  both  to  him  and 
the  colony. 

3.  We  have  seen  already  that  the  number  of  the  settlers  at  James- 
town had  been  much  diminished  before  the  massacre  of  the  men  who 
went  out  with  Smith.  Some  had  also  died  during  his  absence.  From 
one  hundred  and  five,  who  came  over,  he  found  them  reduced,  on  liis 
return,  to  forty,  and  of  these,  a part  were  contriving  to  desert  tlie 
colony. 

4.  Attempts  had  been  made  at  desertion  twice  before.  Captain 
Smith  resolved  to  put  a’  stop  to  this,  even  if  it  cost  him  his  life ; and 
he  succeeded  in  accomplishing  his  object.  But  the  state  of  things  in 
Jamestown  was  exceedingly  discouraging;  the  government  was  of  no 
force  whatever,  and  every  thing  would  have  gone  to  ruin  but  for  his 
courage  and  determination. 

5.  At  this  critical  period  in  the  history  of  the  colony.  Captain  New- 
port arrived  from  England,  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  emigrants. 
The  news  of  this  arrival  in  James  Kiver  raised  the  drooping  courage 
of  the  people,  and  diffused  general  joy.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the 
spot  on  the  James  Kiver  which  is  known  by  the  name  of  ‘‘Newport’s 
News,”  is  the  point  from  which  his  vessel  was  first  discovered. 

6.  But  the  joy  was  of  short  duration.  The  new-comers,  like  too 
many  of  those  who  first  emigrated,  were  chiefiy  “ vagabond  gentlemen” 
— as  the  settlers  called  them — and  goldsmiths.  The  latter,  no  doubt, 
came  over  filled  with  the  idea  of  obtaining  gold.  None  of  them,  how-, 
ever,  expected  to  earn  their  living  by  hard  work.  All  they  thought 
or  talked  of  was  about  digging,  washing,  refining,  and  carrying  away 
the  most  precious  of  metals. 

7.  Even  Martin,  one  of  the  council,  and  Captain  Newport  himself, 
became  absorbed — if,  indeed,  their  brains  were  not  actually  turned — 
in  the  idea  of  finding  gold.  Martin  claimed,  no  doubt  sincerely, 
that  he  had  discovered  a gold  mine ; and  Newport,  after  loading  his 
vessel  with  what  proved  in  the  end  to  be  worthless  yellow  earth,  be- 
lieved himself  to  be  rich,  and  returned  to  England. 

8.  Worn  out  with  fruitless  endeavors  to- direct  the  attention  of  his 
people  to  something  more  important  than  searching  for  gold.  Captain 
Smith  undertook  to  explore  the  inlets,  rivers,  and  shores  of  Chesa- 
peake Bay.  This  he  accomplished,  in  the  course  of  two  voyages,  in 
an  open  boat,  and  with  only  fourteen  men. 


3.  How  were  the  colonists  reduced  ? 4.  What  of  desertions  ? 5.  What  of  Captain 

Newport?  6.  7.  What  of  gold ? 8,  9.  What  of  Captain  Smith’s  explorations ? 


INCRExVSE  OF  THE  COLONY. 


45 


9.  These  voyages  were  undertaken  and  completed  in  about  three 
months.  He  ascended  tlie  Potomac,  above  where  Washington  now 
stands,  discovered  and  explored  the  Pa-tap'-sco,  and,  it  is  thought, 
entered  the  harbor  of  Baltimore.  The  whole  distance  travelled  was 
estimated  at  about  3,000  miles. 

10.  But  exploration  was  not  all  that  Captain  Smith  accomplished. 
He  journeyed  into  the  interior,  and  made  treaties  of  peace  and 
friendship  with  many  tribes  of  the  natives.  He  also  prepared  and 
sent  over  to  the  London  Company  a map  of  the  country,  which  is  still 
in  existence,  and  is  very  correct.  This  expedition,  considering  all  the 
circumstances,  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  on  record ; and  displays 
not  only  skill  and  perseverance  in  Smith,  but  far-sighted  and  states- 
manlike wisdom. 


CHAPTER  XYI. 

Increase  of  the  Colony, — SmiWs  Administration  of  the 
Government, — Failure  of  his  Health, — His  Return  to 
England, 

1.  In  three  days  after  his  return  from  his  second  voyage  up 

the  Chesapeake 
Bay,  Captain 
Smith — not  yet 
thirty  years  of 
age — was  made 
president  of  the 
Virginia  council. 
It  is  worthy  of 
remark  that,  of 
the  seven  mem- 
bers of  the  coun- 
cil who  came 
over  about  a year 
before,  all  but 
Smith  and  Ken- 

waptain  smith  president.  were  now 

dead,  or  degrad- 
ed, or  devoted  to  the  vain  and  unprofitable  pursuit  of  gold. 


10.  "What  did  SmitL  do  beside  exploring  the  country  ? 

Chap.  XYI.  —1.  What  office  was  conferred  upon  Smith  ? How  old  was  he  ? 


46 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

2.  Not  long  after  the  appointment  of  Smith  as  president,  Captain 
Newport  came  out  from  England  with  seventy  more  emigrants,  two 
of  whom  were  women.  Of  nearly  300  emigrants,  who  had  now  come 
over,  these  appear  to  have  been  the  only  women  who  had  as  yet 
ventured  to  join  the  colony. 

3.  From  the  complaints  of  Smith  to  the  London  Company,  it  ap- 
pears that  the  character  of  this  third  set  of  emigrants  was  no  better 
than  that  of  the  former.  ‘‘I  entreat  you,”  says  he,  ‘‘rather  send  but 
thirty  carpenters,  husbandmen,  gardeners,  fishermen,  blacksmiths, 
masons,  and  diggers-up  of  tree-roots,  well  provided,  than  a thousand 
of  such  as  we  have.” 

4.  Smith  was  indefatigable  in  his  endeavors  to  establish  among  the 
colonists  habits  of  order  and  industry.  His  maxim  was,  “ He  who  will 
not  work  should  not  eat.”  And  he  had  some  success.  Several  of  the 
“ gentlemen”  colonists  became  wood-cutters.  They  were  required  to 
labor  six  hours  a day  for  the  common  good ; the  rest  of  the  time  they 
had  to  themselves. 

5.  At  length,  Jamestown  began  to  have  the  appearance  of  a regular 
and  comfortable  abode.  It  is  true  that  they  had  as  yet  scarcely  fifty 
acres  of  soil  under  cultivation,  and  were  obliged  to  get  their  food,  in 
part,  from  the  Indians  and  from  England;  yet  they  were  now  im- 
proving in  their  condition.  They  were  also  healthier,  only  seven  having 
died  during  the  year  1608. 

6.  Toward  the  close  of  this  year  a fieet  of  seven  vessels  arrived,  with 
about  300  emigrants.  Nine  vessels  had  set  out,  hut  two  of  them  had 
been  wrecked  in  the  West  Indies.  But  Smith  could  hardly  rejoice  at 
the  arrival  of  “rakes  and  libertines,”  and  people  who  were  “ packed 
ofif,”  as  many  of  them  were,  “to  escape  worse  destinies  at  home.” 

7.  Something,  however,  must  be  done  with  them.  One  plan,  of  his 
was  to  form  new  colonies.  More  than  one  hundred  went  up  to  the 
falls  of  the  James  Hiver,  and  began  a settlement;  one  hundred  more 
settled  upon  the  Nan'-se-mond.  Both  parties,  however,  ofiended  the 
Indians,  and  were  either  destroyed  or  driven  away. 

8.  A great  misfortune  now  befel  the  colony  of  Jamestown.  Captain 
Smith,  being  severely  wounded  by  an  accident,  and  almost  worn  out 
with  his  sufferings  and  the  ingratitude  of  his  employers,  departed  for 
England,  leaving  the  government,  for  the  time,  to  one  Percy. ' 

9.  Captain  Smith  was,  indeed,  a most  remarkable  man,  as  the  facts 


9.  What  of  Captain  Newport?  3.  What  complaints  did  Smith  make  to  the  London 
Company?  4.  What  endeavors  did  Smith  make?  5.  What  of  Jamestown?  6.  What 
took  place  at  the  close  of  the  year  1608?  7.  What  of  new  colonies?  8.  What  great  mis- 
fortune befel  the  colony  now  ? 


FAMINE  IN  THE  COLONY. 


47 


we  have  stated  abundantly  prove.  Few  men  are  so  well  calculated  to 
be  pioneers  in  settling  a wilderness  as  he  was.  Few  could  have  seen 
more  clearly  in  what  the  true  interest  of  a rising  colony  consisted ; 
and  still  fewer  would  have  been  equally  energetic  and  disinterested. 

10.  Feelings — deep  and  painful — no  doubt  he  had,  for  who  has  them 
not,  in  situations  so  trying  as  his?  Yet  the  historian  well  remarks, 
“that  he  was  the  father  of  Virginia;  the  true  leader  who  first  planted 
the  Saxon  race  within  the  borders  of  the  United  States.”  We  shall 
have  occasion  to  mention  him  again,  in  the  history  of  Kew  England, 
He  died  in  London,  in  1631,  aged  fifty-two  years. 


CHAPTEE  XVII. 


The  Colony  on  the  Verge  of  Tuin, — Preparations  to  aban- 
don Jamestown. — Arrival  of  Lord  Delaware. — His  new 
and  successful  Government. 


1.  The  departure  of  Onntnin  Smith  for  England  was  like  the  last 

setting  of  the  sun 
to  the  colony  at 
Jamestown,  at 
least  for  a time. 
No  place  ever 
went  more  rapid- 
ly on  toward  ruin. 
Order  and  indus- 
try disappeared, 
and  the  Indians 
not  only  became 
less  friendly,  but 
actually  began  to 
assume  a hostile 
attitude,  and  to 

LORD  Delaware’s  arrival.  lenew  their  out- 

rages. 

2.  Nor  was  this  all.  The  indolence  and  bad  conduct  of  the  settlers 
brought  on  a famine  in  the  colony.  Their  want  of  food  became  so 


9, 10.  What  of  Captain  Smith’s  character?  His  death?  What  does  the  historian  say 
of  him  ? 

Chap.  XVIL — 1.  What  effects  had  the  departure  of  Captain  Smith  ? 2.  What  of  famine^ 


43 


EISTOUy  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


distressing  iLat  they  devoured  the  skins  of  horses,  as  well  as  the 
bodies  of  those  persons  who  died  or  were  slain,  whether  of  their  own 
party  or  that  of  the  Indians.  To  add  to  the  distress,  thirty  of  the 
settlers  escaped,  and  became  pirates. 

3.  In  the  short  period  of  six  months  after  Captain  Smith’s  depart- 
ure, the  number  of  the  colonists  was,  in  one  way  or  another,  reduced 
from  five  hundred  to  sixty.  These,  however,  were  so  feeble  and  dis- 
couraged that  they  were  wholly  unfit  to  defend  themselves  .^gainst  the 
Indians;  so  that  the  colony  was  daily  and  hourly  in  actual  danger  of 
perishing. 

4.  In  this  dreadful  condition,  little  short  of  despair,  they  resolved  to 
return  to  England.  But  the  decision  was  scarcely  made  when  one  of 
the  vessels  which  had  been  shipwrecked  in  the  West  Indies  six  months 
before,  and  whose  crew  and  passengers  had  wintered  there,  arrived  } 
the  river,  and  landed  at  Jamestown. 

o.  The  wretched,  despairing  colonists  were  now  urged  to  remain. 
They  were,  all  together,  about  200  in  number.  But  no  pleadings  of 
Sir  Thomas  Gates,  who  was  their  presiding  officer  at  the  time,  could 
prevail  with  them.  Their  plan  was  to  sail  for  hlewfoundland,  and 
scatter  themselves  among  the  vessels  engaged  in  fishing  there,  and 
thus  find  their  way  back  to  England. 

6.  They  had  four  pinnaces  remaining  in  the  river,  into  which  they 
entered,  though  almost  without  provisions,  even  for  the  voyage  to 
N^ewfoundland.  They  had  resolved — strange  to  say — on  burning  the 
town  when  they  left  it,  and  the  energy  of  Gates,  who,  to  the  last  mo^ 
rnent,  endeavored  to  persuade  them  to  remain,  was  barely  sufficient  to 
prevent  it. 

7.  They  actually  set  sail  on  their  voyage.  But  just  as  they  reached 
the  mouth  of  the  river — such  was  the  ordination  of  Providence — Lord 
DeT-a-ware,  with  provisions  and  more  emigrants,  arrived  from  Eng- 
land. This  inspired  them  wuth  a little  courage ; and,  as  there  was  a 
favorable  wind,  the  whole  company  bore  up  the  river,  and  slept  that 
night  at  the  fort  in  Jamestown. 

8.  Lord  Delaware  began  his  wise  administration  next  morning,  with 
religious  exercises,  after  which  he  caused  his  commission  to  be  read ; 
upon  which  a consultation  was  held,  and  a new  government  organized, 
n accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  London  Company  and  their 
commissioners. 


3.  What  took  place  in  the  space  of  six  months  ? 4 What  did  the  colonists  resolve  to 
do?  What  of  a vessel  from  the  West  Indies?  5.  What  of  Sir  Thomas  Gates?  6.  What 
of  the  four  pinnaces?  7.  What  of  Lord  Delaware?  8,  9.  What  of  Lord  Delaware’s  ad* 
ministration? 


PROGRESS  OF  THE  COLONY. 


49 


9.  Much  is  said  by  historians  in  praise  of  the  wisdom,  firmness,  and 
piety  of  Lord  Delaware.  Tfc  is  recorded  that  the  first  business  of  each 
day  was  to  assemble  early  in  the  morning  in  their  ‘‘  little  church,  which 
was  kept  trimmed  with  the  wild  flowers  of  the  country,”  and  there 
to  invoke  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God,  after  which  they  repaired 
io  their  daily  labors. 


CHAPTEE  XYIII. 

Progress  of  the  Colony  at  Jamestown, — Lord  Delaware! s 
Government, — Administration  of  Governor  Dale, 

1.  Eveey  thing  now  wore  a better  appearance.  Famine  no  longer 
5tared  the  colonists  in  the  face ; their  health  was  improved  consider- 
ably ; and  the  Indians  were  less  troublesome  than  they  had  been. 
Under  the  administration  of  Lord  Delaware,  the  people  began  to  enjoy 
not  only  safety,  but  comfort.  Their  wretched  cabins  were  even  ex- 
changed for  framed  houses  covered  with  boards. 

2.  Unfortunately  for  the  colony.  Lord  Delaware’s  health  failed,  and 
he  returned  to  England.  He  was  succeeded,  however,  soon  after  his 
departure,  by  Sir  Thomas  Dale.  This  governor  made  an  important 
change  in  the  condition  of  the  colony.  Hitherto  they  had  held  their 
property  and  labored  in  common.  Governor  Dale  assigned  to  each 
settler  a lot  of  three  acres  to  cultivate  as  his  own.  The  quantity  was 
afterward  increased  to  fifty  acres. 

3.  In  September,  1011,  six  ships  and  300  new  emigrants  arrived. 
There  must  have  been  also  other  arrivals  during  the  year,  for  it  is  the 
concurrent  testimony  of  historians  that  the  population  was  at  this  time 
about  700.  Among  other  things  which  came  were  112  cows,  20  goats, 
200  swine,  and  a large  stock  of  provisions.  It  must  be  remembered 
that  none  of  these  domestic  animals  were  natives  of  America;  a fact 
which  we  have  already  stated. 

4.  -A  new  colony  was  formed  this  year,  further  up  the  river,  and 
enclosed  with  a palisade ; it  was  named  Hen-ri^-co,  in  honor  of 
Henry,  the  eldest  son  of  king  James,  then  on  the  throne  of  England. 
Another  settlement,  five  miles  from  Henrico,  was  called  Hew  Ber- 
mu'-da.  There  was  peace  now  with  the  Indians,  and  this  peace  was 


Chap.  XVIII. — 1.  What  good  consequences  flowed  from  the  administration  of  Lord 
Delaware?  2.  What  of  Sir  Thomas  Dale?  Division  of  property?  3.  What  occurred  in 
September,  1611?  What  of  domestic  animals?  New  colonies?  Peace?  Rolfe  and 
Pocahontas? 

5 


50 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


prolonged  by  the  marriage,  in  1613,  of  Rolfe  with  Pocahontas — an 
event  which  has  already  been  mentioned. 

5.  Tobacco,  which,  as  we  have  stated,  had  been  discovered  by  Co- 
lumbus in  his  first  voyage,  and  had  now  come  into  use,  was  first  intro- 
duced into  Virginia  in  the  year  1614.  In  1615,  the  fields,  the  gardens, 
and  even  the  streets  and  squares  of  Jamestown  were  planted  with  it, 
and  its  culture  was  found  highly  profitable. 

6.  It  does  not  appear  that  more  than  two  women  came  over  till 
1611,  when  twenty  arrived.  In  1620,  when  the  number  of  the  colo- 
nists was  suddenly  raised  from  six  hundred  to  eighteen  hundred  and 
sixty,  there  was  a reinforcement  of  ninety  “respectable  young  women,” 
according  to  the  language  of  the  historians.  They  were  procured  by 
the  planters  as  wives,  by  paying  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  of  tobacco  each,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  their  passage. 

7.  A number  of  unfortunate  measures  were  adopted  about  this  time. 
One  was  the  sending  over  to  the  colony,  as  laborers,  by  order  of  king 
James,  one  hundred  criminals;  another,  the  introduction  of  the  silk 
manufacture,  for  which  the  colony  was  not  yet  prepared.  At  this 
period  twenty  African  slaves  were  purchased  from  the  coi  nmander  of 
a Dutch  vessel — these  being  the  first  introduced  into  the  English  set- 
tlements. 

8.  There  were  frequent  and  numerous  changes  in  the  ofl  icers  of  the 
government,  especially  that  of  the  chief  magistrate,  near  this  period, 
and  some  changes,  also,  in  the  mode  of  administration.  Still  the 
colony  was  more  flourishing  in  1620  than  at  any  former  peri  od.  Within 
three  years  fifty  patents  of  land  had  been  granted,  and  thre  e thousand 
five  hundred  new  emigrants  received.  Ther-e  were  now  in  the  com- 
monwealth eleven  parishes  and  five  ministers. 

9.  Such  were  the  difliculties  and  dangers  which  beset  the  colony  of 
Virginia,  the  earliest  successful  English  settlement  in  North  America. 
Such  was  the  founding  of  the  state  of  Virginia,  now  one  of  the  most 
extensive  and  populous  states  of  our  federal  Union. 


5.  Tobaoeo?  6.  What  of  the  arrival  of  women  in  1620 ? 7.  What  mistakes  were  com- 
mitted?  8.  Changes  in  the  government?  Land  patents  ? 9.  What  of  the  first  colony  at 
^e  nresent  day  ? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  YORK. 


51 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Discoveries  of  Henry  Hudson. — Settlement  of  New  Yorlc 
hy  the  Dutch. 

1.  While  the  colony  of  Virginia  was  thus  advancing,  another 

settlement,  to  the 
north,  had  been  es- 
tablished. The  isl- 
and of  Man-hat'- 
tan,  on  which  the 
city  of  New  York 
was  afterwards 
built,  was  first  dis- 
covered by  Cap- 
tain Henry  Hud- 
son, in  1609.  This 
person  was  the 
distinguished  nav- 
igator who  made 
discoveries  to  the 

DUTCH  TRADING  WITH  THE  INDIANS.  uorthward  of  Can- 

ada and  Labra- 
dor, and  explored  the  large  bay  in  that  quarter  which  is  called  by  his 
name  to  this  day. 

2.  He  was  by  birth  an  Englishman,  but  had  been  sent  by  the  Dutch 
East  India  Company  to  try  to  find  the  East  Indies  by  sailing  in  a north- 
westerly direction.  Unable  to  proceed  on  account  of  the  ice,  he  re- 
turned to  Newfoundland,  and  coasted  along  the  shores  of  the  United 
States,  discovering  Manhattan  Island,  where  Nqw  York  now  stands, 
and  at  the  same  time  sailing  up  and  giving  name  to  what  has  since 
been  called  the  North  Eiver,  and  more  commonly  Hudson’s  River. 

3.  As  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  Dutch* *  when  he  made  these 
discoveries,  the  Dutch  government  claimed  the  country.  The  Eng- 
lish, however,  set  up  an  earlier  claim  to  it,  as  being  a part  of  North 


Chap.  XIX. — 1.  What  of  Henry  Hudson  ? 2.  Hudson’s  birth  ? Object  of  his  voyage? 
His  discovery  of  the  Hudson  River,  &c.  ? 3.  Why  were  his  discoveries  claimed  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Dutch  ? 

* The  name  Dutch  is  applied  to  the  inhabitants  of  what  is  now  called  Holland^  and 
which,  in  history,  passes  under  the  various  names  of  Netherlands  and  Low  Comil/ries. 
An  inhabitant  of  this  country  is  called  D&uischer^  in  his  own  language,  whence  we  have 
the  name  D^itch, 


52 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Virginia.  They  also  maintained  that,  as  Hudson  was  an  English  sub- 
ject, the  countries  he  discovered  were  theirs. 

4.  But  the  Dutch  were  determined  to  hold  the  territory,  if  possible. 
They,  therefore,  in  1610,  opened  a trade  with  the  natives  at  Manhat- 
tan Island,  on  the  spot  where  the  city  of  Hew  York  now  stands,  and 
erected  a fort  on  or  near  the  present  site  of  Albany.  To  the  country 
in  general  they  gave  the  name  of  Hew  Heth'-er-lands;  and  to  the 
station  on  Manhattan  Island,  when  it:<afterwards  came  to  be  settled, 
that  of  Hew  Am'-ster-dam. 

5.  In  1613,  Captain  Argali,  of  Virginia,  who  had  sailed  to  the  north 
to  break  up  a settlement  the  French  were  forming  on  the  Pe-nob'-scot 
Eiver,  stopped  at  Hew  York  on  his  return,  and  demanded  the  surrender 
of  the  island  of  Manhattan,  and  indeed  of  the  whole  country,  to  the 
British  king. 

6.  But  though  the  Dutch  yielded  their  claim  at  this  time,  it  was 
simply  because  they  were  unable  to  defend  it ; the  Dutch  traders  con- 
tinued to  occupy  it,  and  a new  Dutch  governor,  in  1614,  threw  off  the 
English  yoke,  and  put  the  fort  at  Hew  Amsterdam  in  a position  of  de- 
fence. The  desire  of  the  Dutch  to  hold  the  place  is  not  surprising,  for 
a very  profitable  trade  with  the  Indians  for  furs  of  various  kinds  had 
been  established;  in  1624,  the  skins  of  beavers  and  other  wild  animals 
which  they  obtained  were  valued  at  over  ten  thousand  dollars. 

7.  The  Dutch  continued  to  resist  the  claims  of  the  English  to  the 
country  till  the  year  1664,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  kept  up  a profitable 
trade  with  the  natives.  The  progress  of  the  settlement  was,  however, 
exceedingly  slow  as  long  as  it  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  Dutch, 


CHAPTEK  XX, 

Various  Settlements  in  New  England, — Captain  Smithis 
Survey  of  the  Coast, 

1.  Leaving  for  a brief  space  the  Dutch  settlements  in  what  has  since 
become  the  great  state  of  Hew  York,  we  turn  our  attention  to  Hew 
England.  Hothing  had  been  known  as  to  the  interior  of  this  region 
till  the  year  1605.  Captain  Gosnold  had,  indeed,  explored  the  coasts, 
and  attempted  a settlement  on  Elizabeth  Island,  in  1602,  but  with- 
out  success.  The  country  went  by  the  general  name  of  Horth  Vir- 


4.  What  did  the  Dutch  do ? 5.  What  occurred  iu  1013?  6.  What  took  place  in  1614? 
What  of  the  fur  trade  ? 7.  What  of  the  Dutch  and  the  English  claims  ? 

Chap.  XX. — ^1.  What  of  New  England? 


THE  PLYMOUTH  COMPANY. 


53 


CAPTAIN  WEYMOUTH  EXHIBITING  INDIANS  IN  ENGLAND. 


ginia,  South  Virginia  extending  only  so  far  north  as  to  include  the 

country  near  the 
mouth  of  Hud- 
son River. 

2.  About  the 
year  1605,  Oap- 
tainW  ey  '-mouth, 
an  Englishman, 
while  searching 
for  a north-west 
passage  to  the 
East  Indies,  dis- 
covered the  Pe- 
nob'-scot  River, 
In  Maine,  and  car- 
ried home  five 
of  the  native  In- 
dians with  him, 

to  he  educated.  These  Indians  excited  great  curiosity  in  England; 
and  their  accounts  of  the  country  led  other  navigators  to  the  same 
coast. 

3.  There  was  a company  formed  in  England  about  this  time,  called 
^he  Plymouth  Company,  whose  object  was  to  prosecute  discoveries 
and  make  settlements  along  the  coast  of  Horth  Virginia,  as  the  Lon- 
don Company  were  then  about  to  do  with  regard  to  the  coast  of  South 
Virginia. 

4.  In  1606,  the  Plymouth  Company  sent  out  two  ships  of  discovery, 
under  Captains  Cha-long'  and  Prynne.  The  former  took  with  him 
two  of  the  five  Indians  brought  over  by  Captain  Weymouth.  But  he 
did  not  reach  America,  for  his  vessel  was  taken  by  the  Spaniards,  and 
he  himself  carried  a prisoner  to  Spain. 

5.  Captain  Prynne,  more  successful,  surveyed  the  coasts  of  the  coun- 
try very  extensively,  and  carried  with  him  to  England  such  a glowing 
account  of  its  excellent  harbors,  rivers,  forests,  and  fisheries,  that,  in 
1607,  one  hundred  adventurers,  in  two  ships,  went  out  to  seek  their 
fortune  in  America.  Yet,  so  filled  were  the  minds  of  Europeans  with 
ideas  of  the  mineral  riches  of  America,  that  even  in  the  depths  of  the 
green  woods,  these  emigrants  expected  to  find  “ mines  of  gold,  and 
silver,  and  diamonds.” 

6.  They  first  fell  in  with  the  island  of  Mon-he'-gan,  on  the  coasl  of 


2.  Captain  Weymouth?  3.  The  Plymouth  Company?  4.  What  was  done  in 
5 What  of  Captain  Prynne?  What  occurred  in  1607 ? 

5* 


54 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Maine,  but  landed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ken'-ne-hec  Eiver,  then  called 
the  Sa-ga-da-hoc'.  They  settled  at  Parker’s  Island,  and  built  a fort  on 
it,  which  was  named  Fort  George.  They  brought  with  them  two 
more  of  the  five  Indians  taken  away  by  Captain  Weymouth ; and  this 
procured  them  a welcome  from  all  the  Indian  tribes. 

7.  The  Penobscot  Indians  were,  at  this  time,  the  ruling  tribe  from 
Salem  to  hTo'-va  Sco'-tia,  then  called  A-ca'-di-a.  Pleased  with  the  new 
settlers,  their  chief  acknowledged  subjection  to  the  English  king,  and 
sent  his  son  to  visit  the  colony,  and  opened  a trade  with  them  for  furs. 
Happy  had  it  proved  if  the  friendly  intercourse  thus  begun  on  our 
coast  had  been  continued. 

8.  In  December  of  this  year,  the  ships  returned  to  England ; forty- 
five  of  the  adventurers  remained  behind.  These,  however,  were  soon 
discouraged.  The  winter  was  excessively  severe,  and,  not  having 
brought  over  a very  liberal  supply  of  provisions,  they  were  reduced  to 
the  necessity  of  living  upon  fish  and  very  lean  game,  and  finally  upon 
dogs’  flesh.  They  returned  to  England  with  the  next  vessel,  and  gave 
up  the  colony. 

9.  A strange  story  used  to  be  told  of  these  settlers  by  one  of  the 
Indian  tribes  residing  on  the  Kennebec ; but  it  does  not  comport  very 
well  with  other  accounts  of  their  pacific  disposition.  However,  as  it  is 
quite  possible  the  deed  described  may  have  been  perpetrated  by  some 
white  people,  it  may  be  well  to  relate  it.  If  true,  we  cannot  wonder 
at  the  subsequent  hatred  and  revenge  of  the  savages. 

10.  The  English,  it  is  said,  employed  the  Indians,  on  a certain  oc- 
casion, to  draw  one  of  their  cannons  into  the  fort,  by  taking  hold, 
unitedly,  of  a long  rope  fastened  to  it.  As  soon  as  they  were  formed 
in  a straight  line,  delighted  with  the  sport,  the  cannon  was  discharged, 
and  a great  part  of  the  Indians  were  killed  or  wounded. 

11.  In  1614,  Captain  John  Smith,  the  South  Virginia  adventurer, 
sailed  from  England,  with  two  ships,  on  a voyage  of  discovery,  to  the 
coasts  of  Korth  Virginia.  Arriving  at  Monhegan  Island,  in  Maine,  he 
built  several  boats,  such  as  would  better  answer  his  purposes  than 
larger  vessels ; and,  in  one  of  these  boats,  with  eight  men,  he  traversed 
the  whole  coast  from  Penobscot  to  Cape  Cod,  and  made  many  dis- 
coveries. 

12.  On  his  return  to  England,  he  prepared  a map  of  the  coast 
from  Maine  to  Long  Island  Sound,  most  of  which  he  had  seen  and  ob- 
served during  his  journey.  To  many  of  the  capes,  points,  islands,  etc., 


6.  What  of  the  settlement  in  Maine?  T.  The  Penobscot  Indians?  8.  What  of  th^ 
colony?  9,  10.  What  strange  story  is  told  by  the  Indians?  11.  What  of  Captain  Smitk 
In  1614?  12.  What  did  Smith  do  on  his  return? 


FIRST  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  ENGLAND. 


55 


uf  this  region,  he  gave  the  names  they  now  bear.  The  map  was  pre- 
sented to  the  king’s  son,  afterward  Charles  I.,  who  named  the  country, 
in  general,  ISTew  England. 

13.  Captain  Smith,  on  leaving  the  coast,  had  left  one  of  his  vessels 
to  procure  a cargo  of  fish  for  the  Spanish  market.  But  Hunt,  the 
commander,  decoyed  on  board  twenty-seven  Indians,  whom  he  carried 
away  and  sold  for  slaves.  This  act,  so  Well  calculated  to  excite  the 
enmity  of  the  natives,  no  doubt,  afterward  caused  the  death  of  thou- 
sands of  unoffending  men,  women,  and  children. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

The  Puritans^  the  first  Settlers  of  JShew  England. 

1.  The  first  permanent  settlement  in  Hew  England  was  made  in  1620, 

by  a company  of 
men,  women,  and 
children,  called 
Puritans.  They 
were  a pious  and 
excellent  people, 
but  somewhat  pe- 
culiar in  their  re- 
ligious opinions 
and  habits, 

2.  The  Puritans 
were  desirous  of 
what  they  deem- 
ed a purer  wor- 
ship of  God  than 
HR.  ROBINSON  PREACHING  IN  HOLLAND  that  of  the  na- 

tional church  of 

England,  and  on  this  account  had  separated  themselves  from  that 
church,  and  thus  became  exposed  to  a religious  persecution,  which,  in 
160T,  drove  them,  with  their  pastor,  to  Amsterdam,  in  Holland. 

3.  This  pastor  was  the  Rev.  John  Robinson.  Under  his  pious  care 
they  remained  a year  in  Amsterdam,  whence  they  found  it  desirable  to 
remove  to  Leyden  ]li!-derL\.  The  flames  of  persecution  continuing  to 


t3.  What  of  Hunt,  the  commander  of  one  of  the  vessels  ? 

Ohap.  XXI. — 1.  What  of  the  Puritans?  2.  Why  did  some  of  them  go  to  Amsterdam? 
S.  Their  pastor  ? Where  did  they  remove  to  ? 


56 


HISTORY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


rage  in  England,  they  were  joined  by  many  of  their  countrymen,  and 
the  congregation  becarhe  in  a few  years  large  and  respectable. 

4.  Yet  they  never  felt  themselves  at  home  in  Holland.  Tliey  were 
strangers  and  sojourners  there,  and  likely  to  remain  so.  Many  were 
their  reasons,  some  of  them  weighty,  for  refusing  to  settle  down  per- 
manently among  the  Dutch.  They  were  on  the  look-out,  therefore,  for 
a resting-place. 

5.  Just  at  this  time,  an  asylum  was  opened  to  them  in  the  wilds  of 
America.  In  that  untrodden  country,  as  they  deemed,  they  could  be 
entirely  free  from  persecution  and  tyranny.  There  they  could  read 
their  bibles  by  their  own  firesides,  undisturbed,  and  worship  God  as 
their  own  conscience  told  them  was  right.  They  could  also  transmit 
to  their  children  and  grandchildren  the  same  privileges. 

6.  Having  procured  a vessel,  the  Speedwell,  of  sixty  tons,  they 
made  preparations  to  depart  for  America.  Before  leaving  Holland, 
however,  they  kept  a day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  They  then  went  to 
Delft'-ha-ven,  about  twenty  miles  from  Leyden,  and  thence  to  South- 
ampton, in  England.  Here  they  were  joined  by  a company  of  their 
Buritan  friends  from  London,  in  a vessel  of  one  hundred  and  eighty 
tons,  called  the  Mayflower. 

7.  Their  little  fleet  being  in  readiness,  they  set  out,  August  16th,  for 
America;  not,  however,  till  they  had  spent  a parting  hour  with  their 
friends,  whose  faces  they  were  to  see  no  more,  in  religious  services. 
A little  way  out  of  port,  the  Speedwell  sprang  a leak,  and  they  were 
obliged  to  return  for  repairs.  They  sailed  again,  but  again  the  vessel 
failed ; and  she  was  at  length  condemned  as  unseaw^'orthy. 

8.  One  hundred  and  two  of  the  Puritans  now  crowded  themselves 
into  one  vessel,  the  Mayflower,  and  made  a final  embarkation.  This 
was  September  16,  1620.  The  weather,  as  might  have  been  feared  at 
this  season,  proved  unfavorable,  and  they  were  more  than  two  months 
in  reaching  the  shores  of  Cape  Cod. 

9.  It  had  been  their  intention  to  settle  further  south,  near  the  Hud- 
son ; and,  with  this  view,  they  had  procured  a patent  of  the  London 
Company.  But  winter  was  now  nigh,  Hudson  Kiver  far  off,  and  per- 
ilous shoals  and  breakers  lay  between.  They  therefore  gave  up  their 
original  plan,  and  sought  a landing-place  near  w'here  they  were. 

10.  On  the  21st  of  November,  sixty-six  days  after  leaving  South- 
ampton, they  found  themselves  at  anchor  in  Cape  Cod  harbor  near  the 


4.  Why  did  they  not  consider  Holland  a home?  5.  What  prospect  opened  to  them ? 
Why  did  they  cherish  the  idea  of  going  to  America?  6.  What  of  the  departure  of  the 
pilgrims  ? 7.  What  of  their  progress  ? 8.  What  of  the  Mayflower  ? 9.  What  had  been 
the  design  of  the  pilgrims?  What  change  of  plan  did  they  adopt?  10.  What  occurred 
on  the  21st  of  November,  1620? 


THE  PURITANS  AT  CAPE  COD.  5T 

present  town  of  Tru'-ro ; having  lost,  during  their  long  and  perilous 
passage,  but  one  man, 

11.  Before  landing,  they  formed,  in  the  cabin  of  the  Mayflower,  a 
solemn  compact  for  their  future  safety  and  government,  which  was 
signed  by  forty-one  of  the  number — the  rest  being  women  and  children 
— and  John  Carver  was  immediately  chosen  governor  of  the  colony 
for  one  year. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

The  Pwritans  at  Cape  Cod, 

1.  A GOVERNMENT  having  been  formed  for  their  mutual  well-being 

and  preserva- 
tion, the  emi- 
grants were  now 
ready  to  land 
and  explore  the 
country.  The 
prospect  was  not 
very  inviting,  es- 
pecially at  such  a 
season,  but  it  was 
their  only  re- 
source; and  six- 
teen men  were 
deputed  for  the 
purpose. 

2.  In  their  first 

THE  PURITANS  WADING  ASHORE.  attempts  tO  gO 

ashore, the  water 

was  so  shallow  that  they  were  obliged  to  wade  a considerable  distance, 
and  many  of  them  took  severe  colds,  which,  in  some  instances,  appeared 
to  lay  the  foundation  of  what  we  usually  term  quick  consumption. 
They  found  nothing,  moreover,  on  shore  but  woods  and  sand-hills. 
They  had  gone  out  armed,  but  had  not  been  molested. 

3.  The  next  day,  November  22,  was  the  Sabbath.  On  this  day  they 
rested,  “ according  to  the  commandment”  and  their  uniform  custom. 


11.  What  did  they  do  before  landing? 

Chap.  XXII. — 1.  What  of  going  ashore?  2.  What  happened  to  the  party?  8.  Whai 
occurred  November  22  and  28? 

3* 


58 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


On  Monday,  the  men  went  on  shore  to  refresh  themselves  and  make 
further  discoveries;  the  women  went  also,  attended  hy  a guard,  to 
wash  some  of  the  clothing. 

4.  This  same  day,  they  also  began  to  repair  their  shallop  for  the 
purpose  of  coasting,  the  Mayflower  being  too  large  and  unwieldy  for 
convenience.  It  was  a slow  task,  however,  for  the  carpenter  did  not 
complete  the  necessary  repairs  till  sixteen  or  seventeen  days  had 
elapsed,  and  winter  was  now  at  hand. 

5.  On  Wednesday,  November  25,  a party  of  sixteen  men,  commanded 
by  Captain  Miles  Standish,  and  well  armed,  went  out  to  make  discov- 
eries. When  about  a mile  from  the  sea  they  saw  flve  Indians,  who,  at 
sight  of  their  new  visitors,  immediately  fled.  The  latter  pursued  them 
ten  miles,  hut  did  not  overtake  them.  They  had  gone  so  far,  however, 
that  they  were  obliged  to  kindle  a Are  and  sleep  in  the  woods. 

6.  The  next  day  they  found  several  heaps  of  sand,  one  of  which 
was  covered  with  mats,  and  an  earthen  pot  lay  at  one  end  of  it.  On 
digging,  they  found  a box  and  arrows,  upon  which  they  concluded  it 
was  an  Indian  grave,  and  accordingly  replaced  every  thing  as  tliey  had 
found  it. 

7.  In  another  place  they  found  a large  kettle,  and  near  it  another 
pile  of  sand,  in  which,  on  a close  examination,  was  found  a basket  con- 
taining three  or  four  bushels  of  Indian  corn.  “This  providential  dis- 
covery,” says  Holmes,  in  his  Annals,  “gave  them  seed  for  a future 
harvest,  and  preserved  the  infant  colony  from  famine.” 

8.  One  fact  should  he  mentioned,  which  shows  what  sort  of  men 
these  were.  Though  they  took  away  the  kettle  and  a part  of  the 
corn,  it  was  with  the  Arm  intention  to  return  the  kettle  if  ever  they 
found  an  owner,  and  pay  for  the  corn ; and  to  their  honor  be  it  re- 
corded that  they  actually  found  the  owners  afterward,  and  liberally 
paid  them. 

9.  In  the  course  of  the  same  day,  they  found  more  graves,  and  the 
ruins  of  an  Indian  hut  or  house ; and  in  one  place  a number  of  pali- 
sadoes,  or  stakes  and  posts,  framed  together  like  a wall.  They  also 
saw  a trap  set  for  deer,  in  which  one  of  the  party  was  caught,  though 
without  much  injury. 

10.  After  sleeping  a second  night  in  the  woods,  they  returned  to 
their  companions,  who  received  them  with  great  joy.  It  was  about 
this  time  that  the  first  white  New  England  child  was  born.  His  name 
was  Per^-e-grine  White,  and  he  lived  to  be  eighty -four  years  old. 


4.  What  of  the  shallop  ? 5.  What  occurred  on  the  25th  ? 6.  What  did  they  find  the 
next  day  ? T.  What  other  things  did  they  find  ? What  of  corn  ? 8.  Did  the  Puritans 
pay  for  the  kettle  and  corn  they  took?  9.  What  other  things  did  the  party  find?  1ft, 
The  return  of  the  party  ? The  first  child  ? 


SURVEYS  OF  THE  SHORE. 


59 


CHAPTEE  XXIII. 

Fm^ther  Surveys  of  the  Shore, — Meeting  with  Indians, — - 
The  Landing  at  Plymouth, 

1.  It  was  the  16th  of  December  when  the  shallop  was  ready.  Four 

of  the  principal 
men,  with  eight 
or  ten  seamen, 
immediately  set 
out  on  a tour  of 
discovery.  Snow 
had  already  fall- 
en, and  the  weath- 
er was  so  severe 
that  the  spray  of 
the  sea,  falling 
upon  their  coats, 
and  freezing, 
made  them  look 
like  coats  of  mail. 
They  slept  the 
first  night  ^ on 

board  the  boat ; but  the  next  morning  the  company  divided,  and  a 
part  traveled  by  land, 

2.  As  they  went  on,  they  found  an  Indian  burying-ground,  sur- 
rounded by  palisadoes,  and  many  graves  with  stakes  around  them. 
But  they  saw  no  living  person,  nor  any  place  suitable  to  be  the  habita- 
tion of  living  men.  They  met  at  night  with  their  friends  of  the  shallop, 
and  the  whole  party  slept  on  shore  by  a fire. 

3.  They  rose  at  five  next  morning,  but  had  scarcely  finished  their 
prayers,  when  the  guard  they  had  set  cried  out,  ‘‘Indians!  Indians!’^ 
and  a shower  of  arrows  fell  among  them,  accompanied  by  such  yells 
as  they  had  never  before  heard.  They  were  struck  with  surprise,  but 
recovered  in  a moment ; and  now  the  Indians  were  as  much  terrified 
by  the  report  of  their  guns  as  the  emigrants  had  been  by  the  war- 
whoop.  They  thought  the  explosions  were  thunder  and  lightning,  and 
fled. 

4.  The  arrows  were  preserved  as  curiosities  by  the  English,  for  they 
were  the  first  they  had  seen.  They  were  pointed  with  deer’s  horn  and 


THE  LANDING. 


Chap.  XXIII. — 1.  What  happened  on  the  16th  of  December  ? 2.  What  of  Indian  graves, 
etc.?  3.  What  of  the  arrival  of  Indians?  4.  Indian  arrows? 


60 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


eagle’s  claws.  Their  assailants  were  of  a tribe  who  remembered  Hunt, 
the  kidnapper  of  their  people,  and  it  was  no  wonder  that  they  sought 
revenge  for  the  past,  or  defence  against  future  molestation. 

5.  The  exploring  party  now  went  on  board  the  shallop,  whieh  pur- 
sued its  course  along  the  northern  shore  of  the  Cape,  toward  what 
is  now  Plym'-outh.  They  sought  for  a convenient  harbor,  but  none 
was  to  be  found.  At  last  the  pilot,  who  had  some  knowledge  of  the 
coast,  assured  them  that  he  knew  of  a good  one  far  ahead,  but  which, 
with  much  exertion,  might  possibly  be  reached  that  night. 

6.  ‘‘  They  follow  his  guidance.  After  sailing  some  hours,  a storm 
of  snow  and  rain  begins.  The  sea  swells ; the  rudder  breaks ; and  the 
shallop  must  now  be  steered  with  oars.  The  storm  increases,  and  night 
is  at  hand.  To  reach  the  harbor  before  dark,  as  much  sail  as  possible 
is  borne  ; the  mast  breaks  into  three  pieces ; the  sail  falls  overboard. 
But  the  tide  is  favorable. 

7.  “The  pilot,”  says  Bancroft,  “in  dismay,  would  have  run  the  ves- 
sel on  shore  in  a cove  full  of  breakers.  ‘ About  with  her,’  exclaimed 
a sailor,  ‘or  we  are  cast  away.’  They  get  her  about  immediately; 
and,  passing  over  the  surf,  they  enter  a fair  sound,  and  shelter  them- 
selves under  the  lee  of  a small  rise  of  land. 

8.  “It  is  dark,  and  the  rain  beats  furiously ; yet  the  men  are  so  wet, 
and  cold,  and  weak,  that  they  slight  the  danger  to  be  apprehended 
from  the  savages,  and,  after  great  difficulty,  kindle  a fire  on  shore. 
Mofning,  as  it  dawned,  showed  the  place  to  be  a small  island  within 
the  entrance  of  the  harbor.” 

9.  The  day  which  had  dawned  was  Saturday.  They  not  only  spent 
this  in  quiet  rest,  but  also  the  following  day.  It  is  interesting  to  ob- 
serve the  pious  regard  these  Puritans  had  for  the  Sabbath.  Though 
tlieir  friends  on  board  the  Mayfiower  were  waiting  in  suspense,  and 
every  thing  required  the  utmost  haste,  they  would  not  proceed  on  Sun- 
day if  they  could  help  it. 

10.  "When  the  Sabbath  was  over,  and  they  had  examined  the  coun- 
try, they  determined  to  make  it  the  place  of  their  settlement.  They 
were  particularly  pleased  with  its  pleasant  brooks  and  woods,  and  the 
excellent  land.  The  soil  of  both  the  mainland  and  two  islands  ad- 
jacent Avas  covered  with  walnut,  beech,  pine,  and  sassafras  trees;  and 
numerous  cornfields  were  also  to  be  seen.  It  was  December  21st  when 
they  made  the  landing ; and  this  is  the  day  which  should  be  kept  as 
the  anniversary  of  the  interesting  event. 

11.  They  proceeded  to  convey  the  intelligence  of  these  things  to 

5-8  What  account  does  Bancroft  give?  9.  What  of  Saturday,  Sunday  and  Monday 
following?  10.  Why  did  they  return  to  settle  in  the  place  they  had  found?  11.  What 
of  the  landing? 


SETTLEMENT  AT  PLYMOUTH. 


61 


their  friends  on  board  the  ship,  which  forthwith  came  to  the  shore,  at 
the  point  fixed  upon.  On  the  30th  of  December,  after  landing  and 
viewing  the  place  again,  they  concluded  to  settle  upon  the  mainland 
on  the  high  ground,  amid  the  cornfields. 


CHAPTEE  XXIV. 

Settlement  of  Plymouth, — Two  men  get  lost  in  the  Woods,, 
and  are  greatly  frightened  hy  the  Wolves, 

1.  The  next  day  after  the  Puritans  landed,  they  began  to  cut  timber 
for  building,  and  in  a few  days  to  commence  the  erection  of  cottages, 
or,  as  we  should  say,  log-houses.  They  continued  at  this  work,  when- 
ever the  weather  would  admit,  till  about  the  first  of  March,  by  which 
time  they  had  formed  quite  a village. 

2.  The  colony  consisted  of  nineteen  families.  Each  family,  for  the 
sake  of  expedition,  had  built  its  own  cottage ; but  they  all  united  in 
the  erection  of  a storehouse,  twenty  feet  square,  for  general  use  and 
convenience.  They  called  the  place  Plymouth,  after  the  town  of  the 
same  name  they  had  left  behind  them  in  their  native  country. 

8.  The  first  Sabbath  after  they  landed  was  observed  with  unusual 
solemnity.  Some  kept  it  on  board  the  Mayflower,  and  others  in  their 
new  houses — which  being  made,  as  has  already  been  said,  of  logs,  very 
soon  afforded  them  a partial  shelter. 

4.  On  the  12th  of  January,  1621,  three  weeks  after  the  arrival,  two 
persons,  named  Goodman  and  Brown,  walked  into  the  woods  to  collect 
something  for  stopping  the  crevices  between  the  logs  of  their  houses. 
They  lost  their  way,  and  were  obliged  to  remain  in  the  forest,  although 
it  snowed  furiously  and  was  very  cold. 

5.  But  this  was  not  all.  About  midnight  they  heard  a strange 
howling  in  the  woods  around  them.  At  first  it  appeared  to  be  a good 
way  off,  but  it  gradually  came  nearer.  They  imagined  it  to  proceed 
from  lions,  and  were  excessively  frightened. 

6.  In  their  alarm  they  sought  a tree  which  they  could  ascend  in  a 
moment,  should  the  danger  become  imminent.  They  then  continued 
to  walk  round  it,  but  were  ready  to  leap  upon  it.  It  would  have  been 
a cold  lodging-place  in  the  middle  of  winter,  and  in  a severe  snow- 


Chap.  XXIY. — 1.  What  did  the  Puritans  do  after  landing  ? 2.  How  many  families  did 
the  colony  consist  of?  What  did  they  erect  ? Why  did  they  call  the  place  Plymouth  ? 
8.  What  of  the  first  Sabbath  after  their  landing?  4-T.  What  happened  to  Goodman  and 
Brown  ? 


6 


r>2  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

storm;  and  though  it  might  have  saved  them  from  the  wolves  whicli 
caused  their  fright,  they  would  probably  have  frozen  to  death. 

7.  Fortunately,  however,  they  did  not  perish,  though  the  morning 
found  them  faint  with  hunger  and  cold,  and  Goodman’s  feet  were  so 
frozen  that  his  friends  were  obliged  to  cut  off  his  shoes.  Their  being 
compelled  to  walk  round  the  tree  all  niglit,  tedious  and  distressing  as 
it  had  been  to  them,  doubtless  saved  their  lives. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Severe  Sufferings  of  the  Plymouth  Colonists. 


1.  The  winter  of  1620-21,  as  we  have  already  seen,  was  severe,  even 

for  the  severe 
climate  of  17ew 
England.  The 
beginning  of 
March  brought 
a south  wind 
and  warm  wea- 
ther ; and  the 
birds  began  to 
sing  in  the 
woods  most 
merrily.  The 
green  grass  also 
began  to  appear, 
hastened  by  the 
vernal  sun  and 
warm  showers. 


WINTER  AT  PLYMOUTH. 


2.  But  the  colonists  did  not  all  live  to  see  the  return  of  spring  and 
summer.  Their  sufferings  had  been  so  great,  especially  after  their  ar- 
rival on  the  coast,  that,  as  one  historian  testifies,  about  half  of  them 
were  wasting  away  with  consumptions  and  lung  fevers.  Beside  this, 
their  labor  in  erecting  their  cottages  was  very  great. 

3.  Of  the  one  hundred  and  one  persons  who  landed,  by  the  first  of 
April  all  but  forty-six  were  dead,  including  among  them  Mr.  Carver, 
the  governor,  his  wife,  and  a son.  Such  was  the  debility  of  the  living 
that  they  had  hardly  been  able  to  bury  the  dead.  'Roy  had  the  healthy 


Chap.  XXV. — 1.  What  of  the  winter?  March?  2,. 3.  What  of  deaths  and  sufferings 


SUFFERINGS  OF  THE  PLYMOUTH  COLONISTS.  63 

been  able,  at  all  times,  to  take  care  of  the  sick ; for  at  one  period  there 
were  only  seven  persons  who  called  themselves  well,  in  the  whole 
colony. 

4.  Happy  for  them  was  it,  that  spring  came  on  thus  early  and  favor- 
ably, and  with  it  returning  health  and  vigor  to  the  surviving.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark,  that  of  those  who  withstood  the  sorrows  and  dan- 
gers of  this  terrible  winter,  the  far  greater  part  lived  to  an  extreme 
old  age. 

5.  But  new  distresses  were  in  reserve  for  them.  The  provisions 
they  had  brought  out  from  England,  together  with  what  they  could 
raise  and  procure  afterward,  were  but  just  sufficient  to  sustain  them 
through  the  ne^  winter,  and  until  a second  crop  of  corn  could  be  ob- 
tained. Yet,  in  November,  1621,  a ship,  with  thirty-five  emigrants, 
arrived,  wholly  out  of  provisions,  and  dependent  on  the  colonists. 

6.  This  reduced  them  to  half  allowance  for  six  months,  and  a part 
of  the  time  to  still  greater  extremities ; for  it  is  said  that  for  two  months 
they  went  without  bread.  “I  have  seen  men  stagger,”  says  Wins'- 
low,  who  was  one  of  their  number,  ‘‘  by  reason  of  faintness  for  want 
of  food.”  Sometimes  they  depended  on  fish ; at  others  they  bought 
provisions,  at  enormous  prices,  of  ships  that  came  upon  the  coast. 

7.  Nor  did  their  sufferings  very  soon  terminate.  As  late  as  1623, 
their  provisions  were  at  times  so  nearly  exhausted  that  they  knew  not 
at  night  what  they  should  eat  the  next  morning.  It  is  said  that  in  one 
instance  they  had  only  a pint  of  corn  in  the  whole  settlement,  which, 
on  being  divided,  gave  them  but  five  kernels  each.  It  appears,  indeed, 
that  for  months  together  they  had  no  corn  or  grain  at  all. 

8.  Milk,  as  yet,  they  had  not,  for  neat  cattle  were  not  introduced 
among  them  till  the  fourth  year  of  their  settlement.  When  any  of 
their  old  friends  from  England  arrived  to  join  them,  a lobster  or  a 
piece  of  fish,  with  a cup  of  water,  was  often  the  best  meal  which  the 
richest  of  them  could  furnish. 

9.  Yet,  during  all  these  trials,  from  hunger,  fatigue,  sickness,  loss 
of  friends,  and  many  other  sources,  their  confidence  in  God  never  once 
forsook  them.  Their  sufferings  even  bound  them  together  as  by  a 
closer  tie,  and  while  they  loved  one  another  better  than  before,  their 
affectionate  devotion  and  confidence  in  God  seemed  to  increase  in  the 
same  proportion. 


4.  Spring?  5,  6.  What  did  they  suffer  during  the  year?  7.  What  of  the  want  of  corn 
and  bread?  8.  What  of  milk?  What  did  they  set  before  their  friends?  9.  How  did  the 
pilgrims  bear  their  trials?  What  effect  did  these  produce? 


64 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  XXVL 

Arrival  of  the  Indian  Samoset. — Treaty  with  the  Massa- 
chusetts and  other  Indian  Tribes. 


1.  In  March,  1621,  just  before  Governor  Carver’s  death,  an  Indian 

chief,  by  the  name 
of  Sam'-o-set,  ar- 
rived at  the  vil- 
lage. He  had 
seen  some  of  the 
English  fisher- 
men at  Penob- 
scot, and  learned 
a ' little  broken 
English,  and  his 

I first  words  to 
* those  he  met  with 
on  entering  the 
town  were,  “Wel- 
come, English- 
men!” This  dis- 
pelled their  fears, 
and  gave  them  courage  to  enter  into  conversation  with  him. 

2.  Samoset  was  naked,  except  a leathern  belt  about  his  waist,  with 
a wide  fringe.  He  was  tall,  straight,  and  strong ; his  hair  long  behind 
and  short  before,  and  he  had  no  beard.  He  had  with  him  a bow  and 
arrows — the  usual  weapons  of  war  used  by  his  countrymen. 

3.  The  settlers  received  him  kindly,  entertained  him  as  well  as  they 
were  able,  and  lodged  him  for  the  night.  In  the  morning  they  gave 
him  a horseman’s  coat,  a knife,  a bracelet,  and  a ring.  Upon  this  he 
departed,  promising  to  make  them  another  visit -in  a few  days.  He 
was  a kind  of  under-sachem  or  chief  of  the  great  tribe  of  the  Wam- 
pa-no'-ags. 

4.  He  came  to  them  again,  in  a few  days,  according  to  his  promise, 
and  brought  five  more  Indians  with  him.  They  sang  and  danced  be- 
fore the  settlers  in  the  most  familiar  and  friendly  way,  and  parted  in 
an  amicable  manner. 

5.  Shortly  afterward  other  Indians  came  to  the  village,  and  said 


GOVERNOR. CARVER  AND  MASSASOIT  MAKING 


Chap.  XXVL— 1,  What  of  Samoset?  2.  His  dress?  3.  How  was  he  received ? What 
was  his  rank  ? 4.  What  of  more  Indians? 


A TREATY  IS  MADE  WITH  THE  INDIANS.  65 

that  Mas-sa-soit^  the  great  chief  of  all  the  tribes  in  the  south-eastern 
part  of  Massachusetts,  was  near  by.  He  soon  made  his  appearance  on 
the  top  of  a hill,  with  sixty  of  his  men.  The  Englishmen  were  at 
first  afraid  of  such  a body  of  savages ; for  their  whole  number,  men, 
women,  and  children,  did  not  exceed  fifty. 

6.  Mr.  Winslo^jr  w.^  sent  out  to  make  a treaty  with  them.  He  car- 
ried Mas-sa-soit^  two  knives,  and  a copper  chain  with  a jewel  in  it; 
and  to  his  brother,  Qua-da-pH-na,  he  gave  a knife,  a jewel  for  his  ear, 
some  biscuit  and  butter,  and  a pot  of  “ strong  water,^^  or  ardent  spirits 
Mr.  Winslow  satisfied  the  two  chiefs,  and  invited  them  to  the  village. 

7.  They  accepted  the  invitation,  and,  with  twenty  of  their  men, 
came  to  the  town  to  see  Governor  Carver.  To  convince  the  villagers 
that  they  were  friendly,  they  left  their  bows  and  arrows  behind  them 
on  the  hill.  Mr.  Winslow,  on  the  other  hand,  to  assure  the  Indians 
that  their*  companions  should  not  be  hurt  by  the  guns,  that  is,  the 
“ thunder  and  lightning^^  of  the  villagers,  staid  with  the  party  on  the 
hill. 

8.  A great  deal  of  parade  was  made  by  the  governor  in  receiving 
them.  His  soldiers  met  them  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and,  with  drums 
and  trumpets  sounding,  conducted  them  to  his  house,  where,  after 
Governor  Carver  and  Massasoit  had  kissed  each  other^s  hands,  they  sat 
down  on  a green  rug  which  was  spread  for  them. 

9.  The  Indians,  like  all  ignorant  or  savage  people,  were  greatly  de- 
lighted with  these  attentions.  Food  was  set  before  them,  and  “ strong 
water^^  was  given  to  the  king ; of  which,  it  is  said,  he  drank  so  freely 
that  it  made  him  “ sweat  all  the  while. A treaty  was  made,  which 
was  kept  faithfully  for  fifty  years. 

10.  It  was  this  same  Massasoit  who  taught  the  English  to  cultivate 
maize,  or  Indian  corn,  the  first  of  which  was  planted  in  the  May 
following— that  is,  in  1621.  Through  his  influence,  moreover,  nine 
smaller  chiefs,  who  had  before  been  suspicious  of  the  English — partly, 
no  doubt,  because  they  had  stolen  their  countrymen — subscribed,  as 
Massasoit  had  done,  a treaty  of  peace. 

11.  The  English  had  an  opportunity,  soon  after  this,  of  returning  the 
favors  of  Massasoit  and  Samoset.  The  NTar-ra-gan'-sets,  a powerful 
tribe  of  Ehode  Island  Indians,  made  war  upon  Massasoit.  After  there 
had  been  a good  deal  of  hard  fighting,  the  English  interfered  in  behalf 
of  Massasoit,  and  the  Harragansets  were  glad  to  make  peace. 

12.  It  was  not  long  after  this  time  that  the  first  duel  was  fought  in 


5.  Massasoit?  6.  Mr.  WItjsIow?  7.  What  took  place  when  the  Indians  came  to  the 
village?  8.  What  did  Governor  Carver  do?  9.  How  were  the  Indians  pleased?  What 
of  the  treaty?  10.  What  more  of  Massasoit  ? 11.  The  Narragansets? 


66 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


New  England.  It  was  between  two  servants,  with  sword  and  dagger. 
They  were  tried  for  their  crime  by  the  whole  colony,  and  sentenced  to 
be  tied  together,  neck  and  heels,  for  twenty-four  hours,  without  food 
or  drink.  A part  of  the  punishment,  however,  was,  in  the  end,  re- 
mitted. 


CHAPTER  XXYII. 

The  Colony  threatened  hy  the  Narraganset  Indians, — 
Drought  and  Scarcity, — Governor  Bradford  journeys 
among  the  Indians, 

1.  Goveenoe  Oaevee  had  died  about  the  end  of  March,  T621,  and 
Mr.  Bradford,  afterward  the  historian  of  the  province,  had  succeeded 
him.  Governor  Bradford  was  much  loved  and  revered  for  his  public 
spirit,  wisdom,  and  piety,  and  was  continued  in  his  office  nearly  the 
whole  tiniie  till  his  death,  about  forty  years  in  all. 

2.  The  corn  this  year  proved  to  be  abundant  and  excellent.  The 
summer  grain  was  not  so  good.  But  the  settlers  found  plenty  of 
ducks  and  other  wild-fowl,  as  well  as  fish,  and  these  were  of  great 
service  to  them  in  the  way  of  food.  Still  they  sometimes  suffered 
from  scarcity. 

3.  About  this  time,  Oa-non'-i-cus,  sachem  of  the  Narragansets,  for- 
getting or  disregarding  the  treaty  he  had  made,  sent  to  the  Plymouth 
people  a bundle  of  arrows  tied  up  with  a serpent’s  skin,  which  was 
the  sign  of  war.  Governor  Bradford  returned  the  skin,  wrapped  round 
some  powder  and  ball.  The  Indians  were  so  frightened  that  they 
dared  not  touch  it.  They  sent  it  back  again,  and  gave  up  the  medi- 
tated hostilities. 

4.  The  English,  however,  from  this  circumstance,  took  the  hint,  and 
began  to  fortify  their  settlement.  It  had,  from  the  first,  been  laid  out 
into  streets  and  lots.  They  now  surrounded  the  whole  with  a wall, 
called  a stockade.  Their  guns  were  mounted  on  a kind  of  tower,  built 
on  the  top  of  the  town  hill,  with  a fiat  roof — the  lower  story  serving 
them  for  a church. 

5.  As  a further  preparation  to  defend  themselves,  should  there  be  an 
invasion,  the  men  and  boys  of  the  settlement  were  divided  into  four 


12.  The  first  duel  in  New  England? 

Chap.  XXVII. — 1.  Governor  Carver?  Governor  Bradford?  2.  Corn  and  gmin  in 
1621?  3.  Canonieus?  4.  Why  did  the  colonists  fortify  their  settlement?  How  did  they 
do  this?  5.  What  of  Cax)tain  Miles  Standish  ? 


PROGRESS  OF  THE  PLYMOUTH  COLONY.  67 

squadrons,  which  alternately  kept  guard  night  and  day.  Captain  Miles 
Standish,  a young  man  distinguished  for  his  bravery,  was  made  the 
commander-in-chief. 

6.  The  harvest  of  1622,  owing  to  a drought,  was  scanty,  and  the 
colonists  were  obliged  to  buy  food  of  the  Indians.  Governor  Bradford 
travelled  among  them  for  this  purpose,  and  Squan'-to,  a friendly  Indian, 
accompanied  him.  They  procured  twenty-eight  hogsheads  of  corn, 
for  which  they  paid  in  knives,  blankets,  beads,  &c.  Squanto  sickened 
and  died  while  on  this  tour.  When  dying,  he  asked  Governor  Brad- 
ford to  pray  that  he  “might  go  to  the  Englishman’s  heaven.” 

7.  But  Squanto,  anxious  as  he  was  to  “die  the  death  of  the  righte- 
ous,” was,  in  life,  more  artful  and  cunning  than  honest.  Still,  it  is  not 
to  be  denied  that  he  employed  his  cunning  in  favor  of  the  English. 
The  Indians  dreaded  him  as  a sort  of  conjurer;  and  he  took  advantage 
of  their  fear  to  impose  upon  them,  by  relating  to  them  great  stories 
about  the  military  skill  and  power  of  the  English. 

8.  Up  to  the  spring  of  1623,  the  Plymouth  colonists  had  labored  in 
common.  But  some  of  them,  as  it  had  been  at  Jamestown,  would  in 
this  way  be  idle.  It  was  at  length  ordered  that  every  family  should 
work  by  itself,  and  should  be  furnished  with  land  in  proportion  to  its 
numbers.  Under  this  system,  the  idlers  soon  disappeared.  Even  the 
women  and  children  went  to  work  in  the  fields. 

9.  The  next  year  land  was  assigned  to  the  people  to  be  theirs  forever. 
From  this  time  forth  there  was  no  instance  in  the  colony  of  a general 
scarcity  of  food.  Indeed,  before  many  summers  had  passed  away, 
they  had  corn  to  sell  to  the  Indians,  in  greater  abundance  than  the 
latter  had  ever  sold  to  them. 

10.  In  the  progress  of  the  year  1624,  new  emigrants  came  over,  and 
brought  with  them  cattle,  with  a few  swine,  and  some  poultry ; also 
clothing  and  provisions.  The  colony  now  contained  thirty -two  houses, 
and  one  hundred  and  eighty  inhabitants.  The  fields  and  gardens  began 
to  assume  a pleasing  and  rather  a cheerful  appearance.  Thus  the 
Puritan  colony  of  Plymouth  was  established. 


6.  The  harvest  of  1622?  Governor  Bradford?  Squanto?  7.  Character  of  Squanto? 
8.  How  did  they  hold  their  property  till  1628  ? What  was  the  effect  of  this  system  ? 
0.  What  effect  did  distribution  have  ? 10.  What  of  cattle  ? State  of  the  colony  in  1624? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEK  XXVIII. 


Progress  of  the  Virginia  Colony, — OjpechancanougP s Plot 
and  the  Massacre  of  1622. — The  M^sacre  of  1644. 

1.  We  must  now  return  to  the  colony  of  Virginia,  of  which  Sir 


Thomas  Wyatt 
had,  in  1621,  be- 
come the  gov- 
ernor. He  pursued 
the  same  general 
course  in  regard 
to  the  savages 
which  his  prede- 
cessors had  done 
— a course  by  no 
means  fortunate. 
Still,  the  country 
was  beginning  to 
be  somewhat 
prosperous.  There 
were  already 
some  eighty  set- 


INDIANS  PLOTTING  THE  MASSACRE. 


tlements,  including  a population  of  about  three  thousand  persons. 

2.  After  the  marriage  of  Rolfe.and  Pocahontas,  the  Indians  had 
lived  at  peace  with  the  English  for  some  time.  But  Powhatan,  already 
a very  old  man,  had  survived  his  daughter  but  one  year,  and  0-pe- 
chan'-can-ough,  his  brother,  who  indulged  a mortal  hatred  of  the  English, 
had,  in  1618,  succeeded  him.  A plan  was  therefore  laid,  in  1622,  to 
destroy  them. 

3.  This  plan  required  a good  deal  of  contrivance  on  the  part  of  the 
Indians,  for  the  settlers  were  scattered  along  both  sides  of  the  James 
Kiver,  for  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  the  Indians  were 
also  much  scattered.  It  is  thought  that,  in  the  more  thickly-settled 
parts  of  the  country,  the  Indian  population  did  not  average  more  than 
one  to  a square  mile. 

4.  But  Opechancanough  took  time  enough  for  his  plot,  and  perse- 
vered till  he  had  brought  all  his  people  to  unite  with  him  in  executing 


Chap.  XXVIII. — 1.  What  of  Sir  Thomas  Wyatt?  State  of  the  Yirginia  settlement  m 
1621?  2.  What  of  Powhatan  and  Opechancanough  ? What  plot  was  laid  ? 3.  Situation 
of  the  settlers  ? Of  the  Indians  ? Their  population  ? 4.  Proceedings  of  Opechancanough  ? 
Secrecy  of  the  Indians  ? 


MASSACRES  IN  THE  VIRGINIA  COLONY. 


69 


it.  Though  years  may  have  elapsed  from  the  time  the  plot  began,  the 
most  entire  secrecy  was  maintained  among  them  to  the  very  night  he- 
fore  they  struck  the  blow. 

5.  Indeed,  on  the  very  morning  of  the  day  appointed  for  the  execu- 
tion of  the  bloody  deed  some  of  the  Indians  were  ‘‘  in  the  houses  and 
at  the  tables  of  those  whose  death  they  were  plotting.”  ‘‘Sooner,’^ 
said  they,  “ shall  the  sky  fall  than  peace  be  violated  on  our  part.”  But 
their  deceit  in  war  was  not  so  well  understood  two  hundred  years  ago 
as  now. 

6.  The  night  before  the  massacre  took  place,  however,  the  plot  was 
revealed  by  a converted  Indian  to  a part  of  the  English,  so  that  the 
people  of  Jamestown,  and  a few  of  the  adjacent  settlements,  were  on 
their  guard,  and  a large  part  of  them  were  thereby  saved. 

7.  The  attack  was  made  precisely  at  noon,  April  1st,  and  was  made 
upon  all,  without  regard  to  age,  character,  or  sex.  The  feeble  and 
sickly  no  less  than  the  healthy ; the  child  at  the  breast  as  well  as  its 
mother ; the  devoted  missionary  as  well  as  the  fraudulent  dealer  in 
trinkets  and  furs — were  victims  alike. 

8.  It  is  not  a little  singular  that  the  savages  should  have  selected 
such  an  hour  of  the  day,  in  preference  to  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
for  their  work  of  butchery,  and  still,  that  the  blow  should  have  been 
struck  so  suddenly.  So  unexpected  was  the  attack,  that  many,  it 
is  said,  fell  beneath  the  tomahawk,  unconscious  of  the  cause  of  their 
death. 

9.  Thus,  in  one  short  but  awful  hour,  three  hundred  and  forty-seven 
persons,  in  a population  of  three  or  four  thousand,  were  butchered, 
and  a group  of  eighty  settlements  reduced  to  eight.  The  rest  were  so 
frightened  that  they  dared  not  pursue  their  usual  avocations.  Even 
the  public  works,  in  most  places,  were  abandoned.  And  to  add  to  the 
general  distress,  famine  and  sickness  followed  the  massacre,  as  well  as 
a general  war  with  the  Indians. 

10.  The  savages,  however,  were  but  poorly  provided  with  fire-arms, 
and  a dozen,  or  even  half  a dozen  white  men,  well  armed,  were  able 
to  cope  with  a hundred  of  them.  When  Captain  Smith  was  captured, 
as  we  have  related,  he  was  defending  himself,  single-handed,  till  he 
stuck  fast  in  the  mire,  against  from  one  to  two  hundred  Indians. 

11.  Peace,  it  is  true,  was  finally  made  ; but  it  was  only  a peace  of 


5.  What  of  the  savages  on  the  day  appointed  for  the  massacre?  6.  What  took  plaoe 
the  night  before  the  massacre?  7.  What  of  the  attack  ? Who  were  the  victims?  8.  What 
was  singular  ? What  of  the  suddenness  of  the  attack  ? 9,  How  many  persons  were  killed  ? 
How  were  the  settlements  reduced?  Fears  of  the  settlers?  10.  Comparative  power  of  the 
whites  and  Indians?  What  of  Smith,  when  captured?  11.  State  of  feeling  among  th^ 
savages  ? 


70 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


compalsion,  so  far  as  the  Indians  were  concerned.  They  gave  up  open 
war,  because  the  colonists  came  over  too  fast,  and  were  too  strong  for 
them.  But  they  still  meditated  revenge,  as  is  obvious  from  the  fact 
that  only  twenty-two  years  elapsed  before  they  attempted  another 
massacre. 

12.  The  28th  of  April,  1644,  was  the  time  appointed  for  this  second 
outrage,  in  which  not  only  the  settlers  were  aimed  at,  but  their  cattle 
and  other  property.  The  attack  was  sudden  and  unexpected,  like  the 
former.  Providentially  the  savages  took  fright,  from  some  unknown 
cause,  and  fled  in  the  midst  of  their  cruelties ; not,  however,  till  they 
had  slain  three  hundred  persons,  and  destroyed  much  property. 

13.  This  second  massacre,  as  well  as  the  first,  was  succeeded  by  sick- 
ness and  suffering,  and  both  of  them  by  emigration  of  some  of  the 
■colonists  to  Hew  England,  and  the  return  of  others  to  the  mother 
■country.  Hot  long  after,  the  aged  chief,  Opechancanough,  died  of  a 
wound  inflicted  by  a soldier,  after  he  had  fairly  and  honorably  given 
himself  up  as  a prisoner. 


OHAPTEE  XXIX. 

Settlement  at  Weymouth, — Ca/ptain  Standish  chastises  the 
Indians,  — Other  Settlements, — Incorporation  of  the 
Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 

1.  We  must  again  return  to  the  history  of  Hew  England.  A settle- 
ment was  begun  at  Wey '-mouth,  Massachusetts,  in  1622,  by  Thomas 
Weston,  a merchant  of  London,  and  flfty  or  sixty  more.  The  next 
year  a plot  was  laid  by  the  Indians  to  destroy  it,  which  would  no  doubt 
have  succeeded  had  not  Massasoit,  the  friendly  chief,  who  supposed 
himself  to  be  about  to  die,  revealed  it. 

2.  As  soon  as  the  plot  was  known,  it  was  decided  to  defeat  it,  if  pos^ 
sible,  it  being  feared  that  if  the  conspirators  were  successful,  they 
would  carry  their  work  of  butchery  into  the  rest  of  the  settlements. 
Captain  Stan'-dish,  with  eight  men,  was  therefore  sent  out  to  destroy 
the  leaders  in  the  conspiracy,  and  put  the  rest  in  fear. 

3.  This  was  a singular  expedition,  and  one  which  to  us,  at  the  pres- 


12.  What  of  the  second  massacre?  13.  What  followed  the  massacres  in  Virginia?  The 
death  of  Opechancanough  ? 

Chap.  XXIX.— 1.  What  of  Weymputh,  in  New  England?  2,  3.  What  did  Captain 
Standish  and  eight  soldiers  do  ? 


NEW  ENGLAND  COLONIES. 


71 


ent  day,  seems  almost  incredible.  What  could  nine  men  do  in  the  way 
of  chastising  a whole  tribe  of  Indians?  Yet,  Captain  Standish  and 
his  men  ventured  boldly  among  them,  slew  the  conspirators  and 
several  others  who  opposed  them,  and  drove  the  rest  into  the  swamps, 
where  many,  it  is  said,  perished  from  disease. 

4.  A settlement  was  begun  at  Brain' -tree,  in  1625,  on  a hill  not  far 
from  the  seat  of  the  late  President  Adams,  and  was  called,  in  honor  of 
Mr.  Wol'-las-ton,  the  principal  settler.  Mount  Wollaston.  But  the 
colonists  consisted  of  fifty  servants,  and  they  did  not  thrive.  The  follow- 
ing year  a part  of  them  were  taken  to  Virginia.  A settlement  was 
begun,  in  1624,  at  or  near  Gloucester,  on  Cape  Ann. 

5.  The  same  individuals  who  settled  Gloucester  proceeded  soon  after 
to  settle  Salem,  Charlestown,  Dorchester,  Watertown,  Eoxbury,  and 
Boston.  Among  the  number  were  several  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and 
a Mr.  John  Endicott,  afterward  Governor  Endicott. 

6.  Salem,  called  by  the  Indians  Na-um-ke'-ag,  was  begun  in  1628, 
by  Mr.  Endicot  and  about  one  hundred  emigrants.  They  were  rein- 
forced the  next  year  by  three  or  four  hundred  other  emigrants,  who 
brought  with  them  one  hundred  and  forty  head  of  cattle,  and  a few 
horses,  sheep,  and  goats.  Two  hundred  of  the  Salem  settlers  pro- 
ceeded, soon  afterward,  to  Charlestown,  and  others  to  Dorchester  and 
elsewhere. 

7.  These  various  settlements  were  incorporated,  in  1629,  under  the 
name  of  “The  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,”  and  extended  as  far 
north  as  the  present  boundary  of  Kew  Hampshire.  A form  of  gov- 
ernment was  projected  by  their  friends  in  England,  and  Mathew 
Cradock  appointed  governor;  but  he  was  succeeded,  soon  after,  by 
John  Endicott. 

8.  A circumstance  took  place  in  1628,  which  deserves  to  be  recorded 
and  remembered.  One  Morton,  a man  greedy  of  gain,  sold  guns,  pow- 
der, and  shot  to  the  Indians,  and  taught  them  how  to  use  them.  He 
was  rebuked  by  Governor  Endicott  and  others,  but  without  eflfect. 
At  last  he  was  seized  and  sent  to  England,  but  not  till  he  had  done  a 
work  of  mischief  for  which  a long  life  could  not  atone. 


4.  What  of  a settlement  at  Braintree  ? 5.  What  other  towns  were  now  settled  ? 6. 
Salem  ? 7.  What  of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  ? 8.  What  of  one  Morton  ? 


72 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  XXX. 

Settlement  of  New  Hampshire. — Other  Events  in  this  State. 

1.  The  first  permanent  settlement  in  Xew  Hampshire  was  made  in 

the  year  1623,  on 
the  Pis-cat^-a-qna 
Eiver,  not  far  from 
the  place  where 
Portsmouth  now 
stands.  The  first 
house  built  was 
called  Mason  Hall, 
in  honor  of  John 
Mason,  who,  with 
Ferdinando  Gor- 
ges, set  on  foot  the 
enterprise,  and  af- 
terward procured  a 
patent  of  the  ter- 

FIRST  SETTLEMENT  IN  NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  ritOiy.  It  WUS  SOOn 

after  granted  to  Ma- 
son alone,  and  then  first  received  the  name  of  Hew  Hampshire. 

2.  The  place  where  they  established  themselves  was  called  Little 
Harbor.  It  has  often  been  mistaken  for  Portsmouth ; but  this  town 
was  not  settled  till  eight  years  afterward,  and  was  two  miles  further 
up  the  river,  at  a place  called  Strawberry  Bank.  Some  parts  of  the 
wall  and  chimney  of  Mason  Hall  remained  standing  about  half  a cen- 
tury ago. 

3.  Other  places  in  Hew  Hampshire  were  settled  the  same  year,  in- 
cluding Co-che'-co,  afterward  called  Dover,  and  now  noted  for  its  ex- 
tensive manufactures.  But  the  progress  of  the  colony  was  slow.  It 
was  not  separated  from  Massachusetts  till  1680,  and  as  late  as  1742 
only  contained  six  thousand  persons  liable  to  taxation;  It  suffered 
severely  from  the  Indian  wars. 

4.  The  first  legislative  assembly  was  convened  in  Hew  Hampshire, 
in  1680,  and  John  Mason  was  the  first  governor.  A constitution  was 


Chap.  XXX. — 1.  When  and  where  was  the  first  pernaanent  settlement  made  in  New 
Hampshire?  What  of  the  first  house?  What  of  John  Mason?  2.  Portsmouth? 
Remains  of  Mason  Hall?  3.  Other  settlements  in  New  Hampshire?  Progress  of  the 
settlement?  Separation  from  Massachusetts?  Population  in  1T42?  Indian  wars?  4. 
First  legislation  in  New  Hampshire  ? Constitution  ? Earthquake  ? 


jSEW  ENGLAND  COLONIES. 


73 


formed  for  the  state  in  1683,  and  went  into  operation  the  next  year. 
This  year  is  remarkable  for  an  earthquake,  which  shook  even  the 
granite  mountains  of  New  Hampshire  itself.  It  was  felt  as  far  south  as 
Pennsylvania. 

5.  There  was  an  insurrection  here  in  1786,  excited  and  led  on  by  the 
insurrection  in  Massachusetts  of  the  same  period.  On  tlie  twentieth 
of  September,  a body  of  two  hundred  men  surrounded  the  court-house 
at  Exeter,  in  which  the  general  assembly  were  sitting,  and  held  them 
prisoners  for  several  hours.  Other  acts  of  violence  were  also  com- 
mitted. There  was,  for  a time,  every  appearance  of  a civil  war.  The 
insurrection  was  only  quieted  by  calling  out  the  militia. 

6.  New  Hampshire  has  been  in  general  a peaceable  and  quiet  state ; 
it  is  distinguished  for  its  excellent  pastures,  towering  hills,  and  fine 
cattle.  The  White  Mountains  lift  their  lofty  peaks  in  this  state,  and 
they  may  be  seen  at  sea  at  a vast  distance.  They  are  the  highest 
mountains  in  New  England. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


^rovernment  of  the  Colonies, — Union  of  the  Colonies  of 
Plymouth  and  Massachusetts  Bay, 

1.  The  agreement  of  the  settlers  at  Plymouth,  just  before  they  landed, . 


has  been  mention- 
ed, as  well  as  the 
names  of  some  of 
their  early  gover- 
nors. For  fou\' 
years,  tlie  gover- 
nor of  the  colony 
had  no  other  coun- 
sel or  assistance 
in  his  office  than 
what  was  afford- 
ed by  one  iiidi vid- 
ua!.* In  1624,  the 
number  of  assist- 
ants was  increas- 
ed to  five. 


THE  LONDON  BOAUD  OF  OFFICERS. 


5.  Insurrection?  6.  Characteristics  of  New  TTainp.shire  ? The  White  Mountains/ 
Chap.  XXXI, — 1.  What  assistance  or  counsel  had  the  governor  of  the  Plymouth  colony 
the  first  four  years?  IIow  was  the  number  increased  in  1624? 


7 


74 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


2.  The  lands  had  at  first  belonged  to  the  Plymouth  Company,  hot, 
in  1627,  the  colony  purchased  them  for  eighteen  hundred  pounds,  and 
received  a patent  for  the  same,  with  ample  powers  of  government. 
Seven  assistants,  with  the  governor,  constituted  the  government.  This 
system  was  continued  till  1639,  when  deputies,  or  representatives  of  the 
people,  began  for  the  first  time  to  have  a voice  in  the  government. 

3.  The  main  object  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  colony  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  like  that  of  the  colonists  at  Plymouth,  was  to  escape  persecution, 
to  which  they  were  exposed  in  England,  and  to  enjoy  the  high  privilege 
of  worshipping  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences. 
The  settlers  of  both  colonies  were,  for  the  most  part,  Puritans. 

4.  At  first  the  afiairs  of  government  for  the  colony  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  had  been,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  transacted  by  a board  of  offi- 
cers in  London.  But  in  August,  1629,  the  Company  very  wisely  con- 
cluded to  transfer  the  government  from  London  to  Massachusetts ; and 
for  this  purpose  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a new  board  of  officers. 

5.  In  virtue  of  this  arrangement,  John  Winthrop  was  chosen  gov- 
ernor, and  Thomas  Dudley  deputy  governor.  They  came  over  in  June, 
1630,  with  a fieet  of  eleven  ships,  and  more  than  eight  hundred  emi- 
grants, at  an  expense  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Seven  hundred 
more  emigrants  are  said  to  have  come  over  the  same  year. 

6.  Governor  Winthrop  and  his  associates  brought  with  them  a char* 
ter  for  the  colony,  which,  among  other  things,  empowered  them  to 
plect  their  own  officers.  They  held  their  charter  about  sixty  years,  or 
till  the  union  of  the  colonies  of  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth — an  event 
which  took  place  in  the  year  1691. 

7.  Under  the  charter  which  has  just  been  mentioned,  the  legislature 
of  the  colony  consisted  of  a governor,  deputy  governor,  and  eighteen 
assistants,  to  be  elected  annually  by  the  freemen,  and  to  constitute,  as 
it  were,  an  upper  house  or  senate ; and  of  the  general  body  of  the 
freemen  themselves.  They  met  four  times  a year,  and  oftener  if  found 
necessary. 

8.  The  first  legislative  assembly,  or  General  Court,  as  it  was  called, 
met  at  Boston,  in  October,  1630.  Upward  of  one  hundred  persons 
were  made  freemen.  At  the  General  Court,  in  May,  1631,  the  number 
of  freemen  had  increased  to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty. 


2.  What  of  the  lands?  The  government  of  the  colony  from  1627?  3.  Object  of  the 
settlers  of  Plymouth  and  Massachusetts  Bay  ? What  were  they,  mostly  ? 4,  What  of  the 
government  of  Massachusetts  Bay  before  1629  ? What  change  then  took  place  ? 5.  What 
of  John  Winthrop?  What  of  emigrants  in  1630?  6.  What  of  a charter?  When  were 
the  colonies  of  Massachusetts  Bay  and  Plymouth  united?  7.  What  was  the  government 
of  Massachusetts  Bay  under  the  charter?  8.  When  and  where  did  the  first  general  court 
meet?  Number  of  freemen  in  1631  ? 


CUSTOMS  IN  NEW  ENGLAND. 


75 


9.  The  population  did  not  increase  at  this  period  so,  rapidly  as  it  had 
done  a short  time  before.  Only  three  hundred  and  forty  persons  came 
over  in  the  space  of  two  years.  Emigrants  were  probably  deterred 
by  sickness  ; for  during  the  single  winter  of  1629  more  than  two 
hundred  of  the  Massachusetts  settlers  died.  Such  was  the  terror  in- 
spired by  sickness  and  other  causes,  that  about  one  hundred  returned 
to  England. 

10.  ITor  was  this  all.  The  dwellings,  and  perhaps  the  clothing,  of 
the  settlers  were  insufficient  for  the  climate.  The  winter  of  1631  wais 
one  of  unusual  severity,  even  for  New  England,  and  some  were  actually 
frozen  to  death.  Famine  followed  on  disease.  Not  a few  were  com- 
pelled to  live  on  shell-fish,  groundnuts,  and  acorns.  The  governor 
himself,  at  one  time,  had  “his  last  corn  in  the  oven.” 

11.  A day  of  fasting  and  prayer  for  the  colony  was  appointed  for 
February  6,  1632;  but  on  the  5th  a ship  arrived  from  England,  well 
laden  with  provisions.  The  day  of  fasting  was  changed  to  a day  of 
thanksgiving — the  first  of  the  kind  ever  kept  in  the  present  territory 
of  the  United  States. 

12.  It  is  worthy  of  notice,  as  showing  the  rigid  character  of  the 
people  of  New  England,  that  the  custom  of  drinking  healths  at  ordi- 
nary meals,  which  prevailed  at  this  time  in  England,  and  had  found  its 
way  to  America,  was  early  abolished  in  the  colonies ; Governor  Win- 
throp  setting  the  example  of  self-denial  at  his  own  table,  and  urging 
it  among  his  people. 

13.  The  first  churches  in  Boston  and  Charlestown  were  founded  in 
the  summer  of  1630,  after  a solemn  fast.  At  the  close  of  another  fast, 
in  August  of  tb:  same  year,  a minister  was  installed.  For  two  or  three 
of  the  first  years  of  the  colony  none  but  members  of  the  church  were 
allowed  to  vote  in  the  General  Court  or  Assembly. 


9 What  of  the  increase  of  the  colony?  Sickness  in  1629?  Eeturn  of  settlers  to  Eng- 
land? 10.  What  of  the  winter  of  1631?  11.  Fasting?  Arrival  of  a ship?  The  drst 
Thanksgiving?  12  Drinking  healths?  13.  First  churches  ? Who  were  the  voters  durin^r 
the  first  years  of  the  settlement? 


76 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


History  of  Maryland. — Lord  Baltimore's  Visit  to  Amer- 
ica.— Leonard  Oalverff s Arrival. — Settlement  of  Mary- 
land.— Claylornds  Bebellion. 

1.  Thb  settlement  of  Maryland  had  its  origin  in  the  exertions  of  Sir 


George  Calvert,  a 
Catholic,  afterward 
called  Lord  Balti- 
more. He  had  been 
a secretary  of  state 
under  King  James 
L,  and  was  made  a 
lord  on  account  of 
his  services  to  the 
crown — one  of 
which  services,  it 
is  said,  consisted  in 
bringing  about  a 
marriage  between 
the  kh^g’s  son  and 
a Spanish  princess. 


LORD  BALTIMORE. 


2.  Lord  Baltimore  visited  America  in  1629,  and  having  explored  a 
tract  of  country  lying  on  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  belonging  to  what  was 
then  called  South  Virginia,  he  returned  to  England  to  procure  a patent 
of  it  from  the  king.  Before  the  patent  was  made  out,  he  died,  and  it 
was  given  to  his  son  Ce'-cil. 

3.  The  province  was  named  Maryland,  by  King  Charles  I.,  in  tlie 
patent,  in  honor  of  his  queen,  Henrietta  Maria,  daughter  of  the  king 
of  France.  A part  of  the  province  appears  to  have  been  included  in 
the  grant  made  some  time  afterward  to  William  Penn,  and  to  have 
given  rise  to  much  contention  between  the  successors  of  Penn  and 
Baltimore. 

4.  In  March,  1634,  Leon'-ard  Calvert,  the  brother  of  Ce'-cil,  with 
two  hundred  emigrants,  most  of  them  Roman  Catholic  gentlemen,  with 
their  servants,  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac  River,  and  leaving 


Chap.  XXXII. — 1.  What  of  Lord  Baltimore?  2.  What  of  his  visit  to  America?  His 
death?  3.  Name  of  Maryland?  What  occasioned  much  contention?  4.  What  took 
place  in  1634? 


HISTORY  OF  MARYLAND.  77 

the  vessel,  ascended  in  a pinnace  as  far  as  Piscataway,  an  Indian  vil- 
lage, nearly  opposite  Mount  Vernon. 

5.  The  sachem  of  Piscataway  gave  Calvert  full  liberty  to  settle  there 
if  he  chose ; but,  not  deeming  it  on  the  whole  safe,  he  began  a settle- 
ment lower  down,  on  a branch  of  the  Potomac,  at  the  Indian  town  of 
Yo-a-co-mo'-co.  The  settlement  was  called  St.  Mary’s. 

6.  To  gain  the  good-wili  of  the  Indians,  Calvert  made  them  presents 
of  clothes,  axes,  hoes,  and  knives.  Their  friendship  was  easily  secured ; 
and  their  women,  in  return  for  the  kindnesses  of  the  English,  taught 
them  how  to  make  corn-bread.  This,  perhaps,  was  the  first  knowledge 
which  the  settlers  had  of  hoe-cake^''  or  johnny -cokey 

7.  The  colony  of  Maryland  met  with  few  of  the  troubles  which  had 
been  experienced  by  its  sister  colonies.  The  settlers  arrived  in  time  to 
cultivate  the  soil  for  that  year,  and  the  seasons  for  several  of  the  suc- 
ceeding years  were  all  favorable.  They  had  the  Virginians,  moreover, 
for  near  neighbors,  who  furnished  them  with  cattle  and  many  other 
necessaries,  and  also  protected  them  from  the  Indians.  In  addition  to 
all  this,  they  enjoyed  good  health. 

8.  In  Eel  ruary,  1635,  in  less  than  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  set- 
tlement, the  freemen  of  the  colony  assembled  to  make  the  necessary 
laws.  The  charter  which  had  been  granted  them  was  exceedingly 
liberal.  They  were  allowed  the  full  power  of  legislation,  without  the 
reserved  privilege,  on  the  part  of  the  crowm,  to  revoke  or  alter  their 
acts.  The  government  underwent  some  changes  in  1639 ; and,  in 
1650,  they  had  an  upper  and  lower  house  in  the  legislature,  like  their 
neighbors. 

9.  Ten  or  twelve  years  of  peace  having  passed  away,  a rebellion 
broke  out  in  Maryland,  headed  by  one  Clai' -borne.  Having  formed  a 
little  colony  before  the  arrival  of  Calvert,  he  refused  to  submit  to  his 
authority.  Convicted,  at  length,  of  murder  and  other  crimes,  he  fled 
from  the  province,  but  returned  with  a large  mob,  and  broke  up  the 
government.  Order,  however,  was  in  a little  time  restored,  and  things 
again  went  on  prosperously. 

10.  When  every  other  country  in  the  world  had  persecuting  laws, 
the  Catholics  of  Maryland  raised  the  standard  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  where  their  co-religionists,  who  were  oppressed  in  England 
and  Ireland,  were  sure  to  find  a peaceful  asylum,  and  where  religious 
freedom  obtained  a home  at  the  humble  village  which  bore  the  name 
of  St.  Mary’s.  . 


5.  What  of  the  sachem  of  Piscataway  ? What  of  the  settlements  ? 6.  What  of  Calvert 
and  the  Indians?  Hoe-cake?  7.  In  what  respects  did  the  Maryland  settlers  have  an 
advantage  over  the  other  colonists  ? 8.  What  of  the  government  of  the  colony  ? 9.  What 
of  Claiborne  ? 10.  What  of  persecuting  laws  ? 

7* 


78 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  XXXllI 


Various  Settlements  in  Connecticut. — Opposition  of  the 
Dutch. — A Singular  Journey  across  the  Wilderness. 

1.  We  now  come  to  the  settlement  of  Con|^ecticut.  As  early  as  1631, 


an  Indian 
sachem 
came  from 
the  valley 
of  the  Con- 
necticut ri- 
ver to  Bos- 
ton  and 
Plymouth, 
and  urged 
the  gov- 
ernors to 
make  set- 
tlements 
there.  The 
soil,  he 
said,  was 
exceeding- 


PEOPLE  GOING  TO  SETTLE  IN  CONNECTICUT. 


K rich  ; in  addition  to  which,  he  offered  them  a yearly  supply  of  corn, 
and  eighty  beaver-skins.  He  was  treated  with  kindness,  but  no  steps 
were  immediately  taken  to  form  a settlement. 

2.  Some  time  afterward.  Governor  Winslow,  of  Plymouth,  made  a 
tour  to  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut,  and  -cam^  back  so  well  pleased 
with  the  country,  that  preparations  were  soon  made  for  establishing  a 
trading-house  tliere.  But  the  Dutch  of  Manhattan,  having  heard  of 
the  plan,  immediately  proceeded  to  erect  a fort  in  that  quarter.  This 
was  in  1633. 

3.  The  movements  of  the  Dutch,  however,  did  not  intimidate  the 
Plymouth  people.  Having  got  ready  the  frame  of  a house,  they  sailed 
for  the  Connecticut  Kiver.  When  they  came  opposite  the  Dutch  fort; 
— the  spot  where  Hartford  now  stands — the  Dutch  forbade  their  pro- 
ceeding any  further,  on  penalty  of  being  fired  upon.  They  did  not  re- 
gard this,  but  proceeded  up  the  river. 


Chap.  XXXII [.  1.  What  of  an  Indian  sachem  in  1631  ? 2.  Governor  Winslow?  Th« 

Dutch?  3.  Whatof  tlie  Dutch  and  Plymouth  people? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  CONNECTICUT.  79 

4.  They  landed  on  the  west  side  of  the  stream,  where  Farmington 
River  enters  it,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  Windsor.  The  Dutch,  with 
a band  of  seventy  men,  attempted  to  drive  them  away  in  1634,  but  did 
not  succeed.  Thus  was  a colony  planted  in  Connecticut. 

5.  Wethersfield  and  Hartford  were  settled  in  1635,  by  a company  of 
emigrants  from  Hewton  and  Watertown,  near  Boston.  It  consisted  of 
men,  women,  and  children,  to  the  number  of  sixty,  with  their  cattle 
and  horses.  They  left  home  on  the  25th  of  October,  and  were  a fort- 
night on  the  road,  wading  through  rivers  and  swamps,  and  traversing 
hills  and  mountains. 

6.  But  they  had  begun  the  journey  too  late  in  the  season.  The  win- 
ter came  upon  them  in  their  new  residence  before  they  were  prepared 
for  it,  and  the  snow  fell  very  deep.  They  had  sent  their  goods  and 
provisions  by  water,  but  the  vessel  did  not  arrive,  and  was  supposed  to 
be  cast  away.  Thus  a famine  was  at  once  produced  among  them. 

7.  In  this  dreadful  condition,  they  became  quite  discouraged,  and 
some  of  them  desperate.  Fourteen  of  the  number  set  out  to  return  to 
Boston  by  the  way  they  came.  One  was  drowned  in  crossing  the 
river,  and  the  rest  would  have  perished  on  the  road,  had  they  not  been 
relieved  by  the  Indians.  A great  many  emigrants  returned  by  water. 

8.  It  is  difficult  to  say  who  suffered  most,  those  who  went  away  or 
those  who  remained.  The  latter  received  a little  of  the  promised  aid 
from  the  Indians,  but  their  fare  was  at  times  scanty — consisting  chiefly 
of  acorns  and  grain.  A part  of  their  cattle  subsisted  by  browsing 
on  what  they  could  fin<^  in  the  woods  and  meadows. 

9.  The  Plymouth  Company  in  England  had,  in  1631,  given  to  Lords 
Say  and  Seal,  and  Lord  Brook,  a patent  of  the  lands  lying  about  the 
mouth  of  the  Connecticut  River.  In  1635,  a son  of  Governor  Win- 
throp,  of  Massachusetts,  with  twenty  men,  built  a fort  there,  which  he 
called  Saybrook,  and  became  the  governor  of  it.  The  Dutch  tried  to 
drive  him  away,  but  without  effect. 

10.  In  June,  1636,  one  hundred  emigrants  from  Dorchester  and 
Watertown,  accompanied  by  two  ministers  of  the  gospel,  Mr.  Hooket 
and  Mr.  Stone,  crossed  the  mountains,  swamps,  and  rivers,  to  Connect- 
icut. They  journeyed  on  foot,  and  drove  a hundred  and  sixty  head 
of  cattle;  subsisting  during  the  journey  chiefly  on  milk.  They  were 
a fortnight  on  the  road.  They  settled  at  Hartford,  which  they  called 
Hewtown. 


4.  Where  did  the  emigrants  land?  What  did  the  Dutch  of  Hartford  attempt  to  do?, 
5.  What  of  the  settlement  of  Wethersfield  and  Hartford?  6.  What  evils  beset  the  set- 
tlers? 7.  What.of  the  return  of  some  of  them?  8.  Situation  of  those  that  remained? 
9.  What  had  taken  place  in  1631?  What  of  a son  of  Governor  Winthrop?  10.  What 
happened  in  1636? 


80 


HISTORY  OR  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


11.  As  they  passed  along,  the  woods  resounded  with  their  songs  aiid 
hymns  and  prayers,  and  with  the  lowing  of  their  kine.  They  had  no 
gjiide  but  a compass,  and  Him  who  guarded  the  host  of  Israel  in  their 
travels  from  Egypt  to  Canaan.  They  had  no  pillows  but  heaps  of 
stones.  Hone  saw  them  but  here  and  there  a group  of  wandering 
savages,  and  the  Eye  which  sees  and  observes  all  secrets. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Roger  Williams,- — He  is  Vanished  from  MassaeJmsetts^j 
a/nd  settles  in  Rhode  Island, — The  Rhode  Island  and 
Pravidence  Pla/ntations, 


1.  In  February,  1631,  a Puritan  minister  arrived  in  Hew  England, 

by  the  name  of 
Koger  Williams. 
He  was  as  yet 
scarcely  thirty 
years  of  age.  He 
was  a man  of 
some  enlighten- 
ed views,  but  his 
temper  was  not 
properly  disci- 
plined. He  was^ 
however,  an  ar- 
dent friend  of  re- 
ligious liberty, 
and  a foe  to  every 
form  of  legal  in- 
tolerance. 

2.  He  was,  at  first,  pastor  of  a church  in  Salem.  Here,  having 
advanced  the  opinion  that  a commonwealth  is  bound  to  protect  all 
'’enominations  of  Christians,  rather  more  boldly  than  was  acceptable 
to  the  Massachusetts  government,  and  having  also  announced  some, 
strange  opinions  with  an  overbearing  spirit,  he  was  tried  for  heresy 
and  was  sentenced  to  leave  the  province. 


KOGER  WILLIAMS  BANISHED. 


11.  Describe  the  progress  of  the  emigi-ants  through -the  woods. 

Chap.  XXXIV.— 1.  What  of  Roger  Williams?  2.  Of  what  church  was  he  at  first  n 
pastor?  What  opinions  did  ho  advance?  What  was  the  consequence  of  this  conduct? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 


81 


3.  He  first  repaired  to  See'-koiik,  now  in  Rhode  Island;  but  having 
learned,  soon  after,  that  the  place  was  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Plymouth  colony,  he  removed,  June,  1636,  to  the  place  where  Provi- 
dence now  stands,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  a colony,  of  which  he  was, 
at  one  and  the  same  time,  minister,  instructor,  and  father. 

4.  But  the  labors  of  Roger  Williams  were  not  by  any  means  con- 
fined to  his  own  countrymen.  Though  his  manners  had  been  harsh,  he 
had  a good  heart.  Like  Eliot,  he  did  much  for  the  conversion  and  im- 
provement of  the  savages.  He  even  took  pains,  like  him,  to  learn  their 
language,  that  he  might  the  better  conciliate,  instruct,  improve,  and 
elevate  them ; and,  at  the  same  time,  preserve  his  colony  from  destruc- 
tive and  bloody  wars. 

5.  Providence  was  within  the  territory  of  the  Harraganset  Tridians, 
but  Mr.  Williams  very  soon  obtained  a deed  of  it ; not  for  himself  or 
his  friends,  for  though  it  was  his  own  property  as  much  as  the  clothes 
he  wore,  he  gave  away  every  foot  of  it.  LTor  did  he  love  power 
more  than  property,  for,  instead  of  making  himself  the  magistrate,  the 
colonists  had  none  till  the  year  1640. 

6.  The  Providence  settlement  soon  became  the  asylum  of  all  who 
were  persecuted  in  the  other  colonies  on  account  of  their  religious 
opinions,  especially  the  Baptists,  to  which  sect  Mr.  Williams  adhered. 
In  1639,  a Baptist  church  was  formed  there;  the  first  in  the  United 
States.  Twelve  years  later,  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  by 
their  severe  laws,  drove  a greater  number  to  Rhode  Island  than  ever 
before. 

7.  Rhode  Island,  properly  so  called — that  is,  the  beautiful  island 
which  goes  by  this  name — was  first  settled  in  the  spring  of  1638,  by 

* William  Coddington  and  seventeen  others.  In  the  following  ISTovem- 
ber,  Mr.  Coddington  was  chosen  governor.  These  last  were  the  fol- 
lowers of  one  Ann  Hutchinson,  a fanatic  in  religion,  but  in  many  re- 
spects a wise  and  virtuous  woman. 

8.  Until  1640,  the  citizens  of  Providence  had  made  their  own  rules 
and  laws  in  a general  convention.  They  now  thought  it  best  to  adopt 
a more  permanent  form  of  government,  and,  in  1644,  Roger  Williams, 
with  the  aid  of  Governor  Yane,  of  Massachusetts,  procured  a charter 
for  the  two  settlements,  under  the  name  of  the  Rhode  Island  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations. 


3.  Where  did  Williams  first  go?  Where  did  he  establish  himself?  4.  What  of  Wil- 
liams and  the  Indians?  5.  Did  Williams  take  a deed  of  his  land  ? What  did  he  do  with 
his  land?  What  of  the  government  of  the  colony  till  1640?  6.  Of  whom  did  the  Provi- 
dence settlements  become  the  asylum?  The  Baptists?  What  happened  in  1639 ? What 
happened  twelve  years  later?  7.  What  occurred  in  1638?  What  of  Ann  Hutchinson? 
8.  What  occurred  in  1644? 

4+- 


82 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  XXXY. 

War  with  the  Pequod  Indians. — The  Battle  at  Mystic 
River.' — Burning  of  the  Indian  Fort. — Utter  Defeat 
of  the  Pequods. 

1.  OoNNEOTiouT  was  first  organized  as  a government  separate  from 

Massachusetts 
and  Plymouth,  in 
1636.  Its  inhab- 
itants held  their 
first  General 
Court  or  Assembly 
at  Hartford,  in  the 
spring  of  tliat 
year.  The  first 
law  they  passed 
was,  that  arms 
and  ammunition 
should  not  be  sold 
to  the  Indians. 

2.  Enough,  how- 
BURNiNG  OF  THE  FORT.  evei’,  had  been 

done,  long  before, 

by  unprincipled  men,  like  Hunt  and  Morton,  to  excite  that  savage 
jealousy  which,  when  once  roused,  makes  little  discrimination,  but 
vents  itself  with  nearly  equal  readiness  on  all  who  are  white,  without 
regard  to  age  or  sex.  The  period  was  at  hand  when  the  colonists  of  • 
Connecticut  were  to  feel  the  full  force  of  savage  vengeance. 

3.  The  Pe'-quods,  or  Pequots,  were  a very  formidable  tribe,  having 
at  least  seven  hundred  warriors.  Their  principal  settlement  was  on  a 
hill  in  Groton,  near  New  London,  in  Connecticut,  though  they  had 
forts  elsewhere.  They  were  the  terror  of  many  other  tribes  of  Indians, 
and  they  soon  became  a serious  annoyance  to  the  Connecticut  and 
Massachusetts  settlers. 

4.  They  liad,  in  the  first  place,  murdered  some  of  the  traders  from 
Massachusetts,  especially  one  OkT-ham,  at  Block  Island,  and  Governor 
Endicot  had  been  sent  to  treat  with  them,  or  bring  them  to  submis-  • 
sion ; but  he  had  accomplished  very  little,  except  to  provoke  them  by 
burning  their  wigwams. 

Chap.  XXXV. — 1.  When  was  Connecticut  first  organized  as  a government  separate 
from  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  ? Where  was  the  first  General  Assembly  ? What  was 
the  first  law?  2.  What  had  been  done  by  such  men  as  Hunt  and  Morton?  3,  What  of  the 
Pequods?  4.  What  had  the  Pequods  done? 


WAR  WITH  THE  PEQUODS. 


83 


5.  In  March,  1637,  they  became  so  bold  as  to  attack  the  fort  at  Say- 
brook,  and  kill  three  of  the  soldiers.  In  April,  they  murdered  several 
men  and  women  at  AV^thersfield,  carried  away  two  girls  into  captivity,  ^ 
and  destroyed  twenty  cows.  The  inhabitants  could  no  longer  con- 
sider themselves  safe,  by  night  or  by  day,  in  their  houses  or  in  their 
fields. 

6.  The  General  Assembly,  which  convened  at  Hartford,  May  11,  re- 
solved to  make  war  upon  them ; and  ninety  men — about  half  the  col- 
ony wlio  were  able  to  bear  arms — with  Captain  Mason  at  their  head, 
accompanied  by  seventy  friendly  Mohegan  Indians,  and  Eev.  Mr.  Stone 
as  their  chaplain,  were  sent  out  to  attack  the  Pequods  in  their  own 
country. 

7.  Sailing  down  the  river,  and  thence  to  Narraganset  Bay,  they 
were  joined  at  the  latter  place  by  two  hundred  Narraganset  Indians, 
and,  after  landing  and  proceeding  toward  the  Pequod  country,  by  five 
hundred  Hi-an'-ticks.  The  Pequods  had  two  forts,  one  at  Mystic,  in 
the  present  town  of  Groton,  and  another  further  on.  They  resolved 
to  attack  the  former. 

8.  They  arrived  at  Mystic  Kiver,  near  the  fort,  late  in  the  evening, 
and  pitched  their  camp  by  two  large  rocks,  now  called  Porter’s  rocks. 
About  daybreak  the  next  morning,  they  were  ready  to  advance  and 
attack  the  fort.  The  first  signal  of  their  arrival  was  the  barking  of  a 
dog,  upon  which  an  Indian  in  the  fort  cried  out,  “ O-wan'-ux ! Owanux !” 
which  meant  Englishmen ! Englishmen ! 

9.  The  battle  soon  began,  and  for  a long  time  was  severe.  The  fate 
of  Connecticut,  and  perhaps  of  all  Hew  England,  was  to  be  determined 
by  seventy-seven  men.* *  Every  soldier,  therefore,  fought  for  his  own 
life  and  the  lives  of  his  countrymen.  With  the  Indians,  too,  every 
thing  was  at  stake ; and  their  arrows  descended  among  the  English  like 
a shower  of  hail. 

10.  At  last,  seeing  his  men  begin  to  tire.  Captain  Mason  cried  out, 
“We  must  burn  them!” — and,  seizing  a firebrand  from  one  of  the 
wigwams,  he  applied  it  to  the  combustible  material  of  which  it  was 
composed,  and  in  a few  minutes  the  whole  fort  was  in  flames.  The 
fire  and  sword  together  made  terrible  havoc ; and  soon  victory  decided 
in  favor  of  the  colonists. 

11.  But  the  contest  was  not  yet  over.  Three  hundred  Pequods  from 


5.  Wliat  happened  in  March,  1637  ? 6.  What  of  the  General  Assembly?  Of  whom 
did  the  force  sent  against  the  Pequods  consist ? 7.  By  what  forces  were  they  joined? 
Wha*  forts  had  the  Pequods  ? 8.  What  of  the  approach  of  the  white  men  to  Fort 
Mystic?  9.  What  of  the  fight?  10.  What  of  Captain  Mason ? 

* They  set  out  with  ninety,  but  thirteen  had^llen  off  at  Saybrook,  or  elsewhere  ; and 
as  for  the  friendly  Indian  allies,  they  dared  not  venture  near  the  fort. 


84 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNJTFH  STATES. 


the  other  fort  came  now  to  the  assistance  of  their  brethren,  but  these 
too  were  gallantly  repulsed,  and  the  colonists  retired  leisurely  to  go  on 
^ hoard  their  vessels  at  the  Pequod  harbor.  Wlien  the  battle  ended, 
their  vessels  were  not  yet  in  sight,  hut  they  arrived  soon  afterward. 

12.  The  colonists  had  but  two  men  killed  and  sixteen  wounded  in 
tlie  contest ; while  the  Indians  lost  seventy  wigwams,  and,  as  it  was 
thought,  from  five  hundred  to  six  hundred  men.  The  blow  was  de 
cisive.  The  Indians  looked  at  the  smoking  ruins,  stamped  on  the 
g found,  tore  their  hair,  and  rushed  on  the  colonists ; but  to  no  purpose. 

13.  The  battle  was  scarcely  ended,  when  a body  of  two  hundred 
troops  from  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  arrived.  They  renewed  the 
war,  burning  wigwams,  destroying  cornfields,  and  killing  the  Indians, 
men,  women,  and  children.  The  survivors  were  driven  to  a swamp, 
where  they  finally  surrendered,  except  Sas'-sa-cus,  their  chief,  and  a 
few  of  Ids  men,  who  fled  to  the  Mo'-hawks,  by  whom  Sassacus  was 
afterward  murdered. 


CHAPTER  XXXYL 

Anecdotes  of  the  Peqttod  War. — The  Indian  Chiefs  Un- 
cos and  Sassacus. — The  Beneficent  Conduct  of  Roger 
Williams. 

1.  One  of  the  early  laws  of  N'ew  England  was : — “ Some  minister  is 
to  be  sent  forth  to  go  along  with  the  army,  for  their  instruction  and 
encouragement.”  Moreover,  they  sometimes  began  their  wars  by  a 
season  of  fasting  and  prayer.  We  may  smile  at  this  strange  attempt 
to  intermingle  religion  and  bloodshed ; but  it  exhibits  the  Puritan 
character. 

2.  The  whole  night  before  Captain  Mason  set  out  from  Hartford  to 
attack  the  Pequods  was  spent  by  Mr.  Stone,  at  the  request  of  the 
soldiers,  in  earnest  prayer.  Again : liaving  arrived  at  Harraganset 
Bay  on  Saturday,  instead  of  proceeding  on  their  journey  the  next  day, 
they  kept  it  as  the  Sabbath,  with  the  most  scrupulous  exactness. 

3.  War  is  terrible  at  best,  but  it  is  always  agreeable  to  find  its  hor- 
rors in  any  degree  mitigated.  While  the  soldiers  of  Captain  Mason 
were  slaughtering  the  Indians  at  Fort  Mystic  by  hundreds,  and  ac- 
tually piling  tlie  dead  bodies  in  heaps,  they,  spared  the  women.  Many 


11.  What  more  happened?  12.  Loss  of  the  colonists?  Of  the  Indians?  18.  What  of  200 
Massachusetts  troops  ? What  of  Sassacus  and  the  rest  of  the  Pequods? 

Chap.  XXXVI.— 1.  How  did  the  Puritans  mingle  religion  with  war?  2.  What  of  the 
night  before  Captain  Mason’s  departure  faa-  the  Pequod  Avar?  What  of  the  next  Sunday? 
8.  What  of  war?  What  of  sparing  the  women  and  children  ? 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  1^  E Q U O D WAR 


85 


of  the  Indian  warriors,  observing  this,  cried  out,  ‘^1  squaw!  I squaw!” 
But  it  did  not  save  them. 

4.  The  friendly  Indians,  under  Un'-cas,  sachem  of  the  Mohegans,  . 
and  Mi-an-ton'-o-moh,  sachem  of  the  Narragansets,  were  terribly  afraid 
of  the  Pequods,  and  especially  of  Sassacus,  their  chief.  When  Captain 
Mason  inquired  of  Miantonomoh  why  the  Marragansets  did  not  come 
forward  and  help  him,  he  replied,  “ Sassacus  is  in  the  fort.  Sassacus 

is  all  one  God ; nobody  can  kill  him.” 

5.  The  two  hundred  Pequods — men,  women,  and  children — who  sur- 
rendered to  the  colonists,  were  either  enslaved  by  the  English  or  in- 
corporated with  the  Mohegans  or  the  Marragansets.  There  did  not 
remain,  according  to  the  words  of  the  historian,  “ a sannup  or  a squaw, 
a warrior  or  a child,  of  the  Pequod  name.  A nation  had  disappeared 
in  a day!” 

6.  Still,  this  war  would  have  been  more  dreadful  than  it  was,  but 
for  the  benevolent  and  pious  labors  of  Roger  Williams.  When  the 
Pequods  found  they  had  provoked  the  colonists  to  make  war  upon 
them,  they  tried  to  enlist  on  their  side  the  Mohegans  and  Narragansets. 
They  hoped  that  by  their  united  exertions  they  might  be  able  entirely 
10  sweep  the  cdlonists  from  the  hunting-ground  of  their  fathers. 

7.  There  was  no  white  man  in  England  that  dared,  at  this 
critical  time,  to  expose  himself  to  Indian  fury,  but  Roger  Williams. 
Aware  of  the  danger  to  the  colonists,  this  good  man,  amid  storm  and 
wind,  and  at  the  most  imminent  hazard  of  Ids  life,  embarked  in  a 
canoe,  and  hastened  to  the  wigwam  of  the  N^arraganset  sachem,  even 
while  the  Pequod  ambassadors  were  there,  still  reeking  with  the  blood 
of  Oldham  and  others. 

8.  Here,  for  three  days  and  nights,  he  ate  and  drank  and  slept  in 
their  midst,  in  danger  of  being  shot,  or  having  his  throat  cut,  every 
moment.  The  Harragansets  for  some  time  wavered,  but  he  at  length 
succeeded  in  preventing  them  from  entering  into  a league  with  the 
Pequods,  and  thus,  probably,  saved  the  colonies  from  extinction. 


CHAPTER  XXXYII. 

Settlement  of  New  Haven, — -Mr,  Davenport  and  his  Asso- 
ciates,— Other  Settlements  in  Connecticut, — Earthquakes, 

1.  The  Indian  name  of  Hew  Haven  was  Quin'-ni-pi-ack.  The  peo- 
ple of  the  Connecticut  colony  had  become  acquainted  with  it  during 

4.  What  of  Sassac .IS  and  other  Indians?  5.  What  of  the  200  Indians  captured?  What 
of  the  Pequod  nation  ? 6 What  rendered  the  Pequod  war  less  dreadful  ? 7,  8.  What 
did  Roger  Williams  do  ? 

ft 


S6 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITEJ)  STATES. 


the  war  with  the  Pequods.  About  this  time  Rev.  Mr.  Davenport, 


and  two  merchants 
of  London,  by  the 
name  of  Eaton  and 
Hopkins,  and  a 
company  of  emi- 
grants, came  over 
to  America  ; a few 
of  whom  went  to 
Quinnipiack,  built 
a hut,  and  remain- 
ed there  during  the 
winter  preceding 
the  settlement. 


2.  In  the  spring 
of  1638,  Mr.  Dav- 
enport- and  his 


FIRST  SETTLEMENT  AT  NEW  HAVEN. 


whole  company  went  there  to  reside  permanently.  At  two  dilFerent. 
purchases,  they  bought  of  the  Indians  nearly  the  whole  of  what  now 
constitutes  the  county  of  Hew  Haven.  For  the  first  arid  smallest  por- 
tion, they  gave  a dozen,  each,  of  coats,  hoes,  hatchets,  spoons,  and  por- 
ringers, two  dozen  knives,  and  four  cases  of  French  knives  and  scis- 
sors; and,  for  the  largest,  thirteen  coats  only. 

3.  Some  may  think  that  the  Indians  were  defrauded  by  these  purchases ; 
or,  at  least,  that  they  would  be  likely  to  think  themselves  so  after- 
ward. But  such  persons  forget  that  these  articles  were  worth  more  then 
than  they  now  are ; and,  beside  that,  the  land  was  really  worth  no- 
thing to  the  Indians,  nor,  in  its  wild  state,  was  it  of  much  value  to 
any  one.  Besides,  the  Indians  retained  the  right  to  hunt  on  the  land, 
and,  if  they  pleased,  to  plant  a certain  portion. 

4.  On  the  first  Sabbath  which  the  colonists  observed  at  Hew  Haven, 
April  28,  ^Ir.  Davenport  preached  to  the  people  under  a large  spread- 
ing oak.  He  was  an  excellent  man,  and,  with  his  coadjutors,  gave  a 
cliaracter  to  Hew  Haven  that  has  never  been  wholly  lost.  The  Jay- 
ing  of  the  city  into  squares,  and  the  beautiful  ^reen,  or  common,  are 
memorials  of  their  efforts. 

5.  The  three  towms,  Windsor,  Hartford,  and  Wethersfield,  early  i;i 
the  year  1639,  formed  themselves  into  a distinct  government,  and 


Chap  XXXVII. — 1 What  was  the  Indian  name  of  the  country  where  New  Haven  now 
stands?  When  did  the  people  of  Connecticut  become  acquainted  with  it?  What  of  Mr. 
Davenport  .and  others  ? 2.  What  was  done  in  1638  ? 3.  How  does  it  appear  that  the 
Indians  were  not  cheated  by  the  whites?  4.  What  of  Mr.  Davenport? 


THE  C 0 L O xN  V OF  NEW  HAVEN. 


87 


adopted  a constitution,  and  John  Haynes  was  elected  their  first  gov- 
ernor. Their  constitution  has  been  niuclr  admired.  It  lasted,  with 
little  alteration,  till  1818,  or  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  years;  and 
was  in  substance  as  follows : 

6.  The  General  Court,  or  legislative  assembly,  was  to  be  held  twice 
!i  year,  viz.,  in  spring  and  autumn ; but  the  officers  of  the  government 
---the  governor,  deputy  governor,  and  five  or  six  assistants— with  the 
I'epresentatives  from  the  several  towns,  were  to  be  elected  on  the  first 
Monday  of  April  annually.  The  settlement  at  Saybrook  soon  became 
united  with  that  at  Hartford. 

7.  Until  the  year  16(15,  New  Haven  was  a colony  by  itself,  separate 
from  Hartford,  under  the  name  of  the  Colony  of  New  Haven.  A con- 
stitution was  formed  and  adopted  by  the  colony  essentially  like  that 
of  Connecticut,  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year,  1639;  and  Theophilus 
Eaton  was  chosen  the  first  governor,  and  re-elected  every  year  till  his 
death,  which  happened  about  twenty  years  afterward. 

8.  The  first  inhabitants  of  New  Haven,  almost  without  exception, 
were  men  of  character  and  piet}^  Tney  paid  great  attention  both  to 
education  and  religion.  At  first  they  held  their  lands  in  com- 
mon, as  at  Jamestown  and  Plymouth.  Not  a few  of  their  first  gov- 
ernors, moreover,  as  well  as  several  other  officers,  refused  to  receive 
any  salary  or  special  compensation  for  their  public  services. 

9.  The  Dutch,  who  still  claimed  the  country,  seemed  inclined,  from 
time  to  time,  to  molest  the  Connecticut  colony,  but  no  serious  confiict 
ever  took  place  between  them.  Tlieir  greatest  trouble  was  with  the 
Indians.  With  this  exception,  and  a continual  series  of  disasters  at 
sea,  their  first  years  were  quite  prosperous. 

10.  The  first  great  earthquake  in  New  England,  after  its  settlement, 
took  place  in  June,  1638.  The  earth  shook  with  such  violence  that  in 
some  places  people  could  not  stand  without  difficulty,  and  the  furniture 
in  the  houses  was  thrown  down.  Similar  shocks  were  felt  in  1663, 
1727,  1761,  and  1783. 


5.  What  of  three  towns?  Who  wris  the  first  governor  of  the  Connecticut  colony  ? 
What  of  the  constitution  adopted  there?  What  were  the  general  provisions  of  t hi. s 
constitution?  7.  What  of  the  New  Haven  colony?  8.  First  settlers  of  New  Haven? 
What  of  property?  The  governors?  9.  The  Dutch?  10.  Earthquakes? 


88 


HISIORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Union  of  the  New  England  Colonies, 

1.  The  conduct  of  tlie  New  England  settlers  did  not  fail  to  keep  up 

the  spirit  of  per- 
secution in  Eng- 
land on  the  part 
of  those  whose 
severe  measures 
had  driven  them 
there.  It  was 
seen  that  the 
forms  of  the  Eng- 
lish church  dis- 
cipline were  dis- 
regarded by  the 
Puritans,  and 
marriages  were 
celebrated  even 

DELEGATES  SIGNING  THE  ARTICLES  OP  CONFEDERATION.  bj  tllO  clvll  mag- 
istrates. In  spite 

of  all  this,  however,  good  and  loyal  subjects  of  the  king  were  con- 
tinually emigrating  thither. 

2.  What  could  be  done?  In  the  first  place,  ships  freighted  with  pas- 
sengers and  bound  for  New  England  were  forbidden  to  sail.  In  the 
next  place,  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  others,  obtained  power 
to  legislate  for  the  colonies;  to  revoke  their  charters  if  it  should  be 
thought  necessary ; to  regulate  and  govern  their  church,  and  to  inflict 
punishment  for  refractory  conduct. 

3.  Such  power,  lodged  in  the  hands  of  an  Episcopal  bishop  three 
thousand  miles  distant,  greatly  alarmed  the  colonies.  In  January, 
1G35,  the  ministers  assembled  at  Boston,  to  consult  with  the  civil  offi- 
cers, and  see  what  should  he  done.  They  were  unanimous  in  the  opin- 
ion that  they  ought  not  to  submit  to  a general  governor  from  abroad, 
should  one  be  appointed,  which  they  had  great  reason  to  expect. 

4.  Nor  was  this  all.  Poor  as  the  colonies  were,  they  raised  six 
hundred  pounds  sterling  among  them,  and  applied  it  immediately  to 
the  erection  of  fortifications.  But  this  only  so  much  the  more  offended 


Chap.  XXXVIII. — 1.  Conduct  of  the  Puritans  in  New  England  ? Consequences  of 
this?  2.  What  was  done  in  England?  3.  What  was  done  at  Boston  in  1635  ? 4.  Whai 
stepfi  did  the  colonies  take  ? 


PERSECUT10x\  IN  ENGLAND. 


89 


their  enemies  in  England,  and  increased  their  disposition  to  restrain 
their  liberties. 

5.  Whole  squadrons,  ready  to  sail  for  America  with  passengers,  were 
stopped.  It  is  even  said  that  Crom'-well  and  Hamp'-den,  who  after- 
ward became  so  conspicuous  in  the  measures  which  led  to  the  death 
of  the  king,  Charles  I.,  were  on  hoard  of  one  of  the  vessels,  and  would 


Questions  on  the  Map. — Direction  of  the  following  places  from  Boston:  Cape  Cod? 
New  Haven?  Augusta?  Montpelier?  Hartford?  Long  Island?  New  York?  Prov- 
idence? Quebec?  In  what  direction  do  the  following  rivers  run:  the  Connecticut? 
the  Kennebec?  the  Penobscot?  the  Hudson?  etc. 

8* 


90  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  •• 

hiive  sailed  for  xYmerica  had  not  the  king  himself  prevented  it.  Littl® 
did  he  know  what  he  was  doing. 

6.  It  was  impossible,  however,  to  check  the  tide  of  emigration,  ex- 
cept for  a short  time.  Persecution  for  religious  opinions  had  awakened 
a spirit  of  emigration  in  Europe  which  had  not  been  known  before. 
One  hundred  and  ninety-eight  ships  had  already  crossed  the  Atlantic, 
to  E'ew  England,  carrying  with  them  twenty  thousand  passengers;  aiul 
the  plantations  there  had  cost  nearly  a million  of  dollars. 

7.  It  was  just  at  this  period  of  the  colonial  history,  when  they  were 
in  danger  not  only  from  foes  at  home  but  from  enemies  of  their  liberty 
abroad,  that  a union  of  the  colonies,  for  mutual  preservation  and  de- 
fence, began  to  be  discussed.  ETor  did  their  victory  over  the  Pequods, 
nor  the  temporary  suspension  of  Dutch  hostilities,  lull  them  into  se- 
curity. The  measure  was  not  only  talked  of,  but  at  last  executed. 

8.  The  articles  of  confederation  were  signed  May  29,  1643.  The 
union  which  was  formed  took  the  name  of  “ The  United  Colonies  of 
New  England.”  It  embraced  Massachusetts,  Plymouth,  Connecticut 
and  New  Haven,  and  should  have  included  Rhode  Island  and  Provi- 
dence plantations.  This  colony  petitioned  for  admittance,  but  was  re- 
fused, because  it  would  not  be  merged  in  the  colony  of  Plymouth. 

9.  This  union  continued  forty  years  or  more,  and  was  of  great  service 
while  it  lasted.  If  it  did  not  prevent  that  foreign  interference  which 
was  threatened,  it  defended  the  colonies  at  least  from  the  Indians  and 
Dutch,  and  other  enemies  at  home,  both  by  leading  them  to  feel  more 
strongly  the  ties  of  sympathy  and  brotherhood,  and  by  enabling  them 
to  make  treaties  on  a more  certain  and  permanent  basis. 


5.  What  of  Cromwell  and  Hampden  ? 6 Emigration?  Perseciiti'^n  ? How  many  ships 
and  passengers  had  come  to  America?  How  much  had  the  plantation's  cost?  7.  What  of 
a union  <>f  tiie  colonies?  8.  What  of  the  articles  of  confederation?  Whj  was  Ehodo 
Island  excluded  ? 9.  What  of  this  union  ? 


MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  THE  INDIANS.  9L 


CHAPTEE  XXXIX. 


Oeneral  Remarks  on  the  Indians, — The  Tribes  of  New 
England. — Their  Manners  and  Customs. 


1.  We  have  already  stated  that  the  Indians  of  America,  though 

divided  into  many 
tribes  and  na- 
tions, speaking  dif- 
ferent languages, 
and  having  some 
difference  of  man- 
ners and  customs, 
were  all  of 
race.  It  is  neces- 
sary to  remark, 
however,  that  the 
people  called  Es- 
quimaux 
mo\  living  around 
the  Arctic  regions, 

INDIAN  SORCERER  AND  SICK  MAN.  WOl’C  of  a distinct 

race,  being  of  the 

same  family  as  the  Lap'-land-ers  and  Sa-moi'-edes  of  ITorthern  Europe 
and  Asia. 

2.  With  those  people,  however,  the  early  settlers  of  the  United  States 
had  no  connection.  With  the  numerous  tribes  which  dwelt  in  tie 
vast  country  from  the  Canadas  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  on  the  contrary, 
they  were  in  almost  constant  contact.  The  Whites,  in  fact,  occupied 
the  lands  which  these  Indians  had  held  as  their  patrimony,  and  the 
savages  were  not  slow  to  perceive  that  their  tribes  rapidly  wasted 
away  before  the  progress  of  these  strangers. 

3.  A natural  jealousy,  therefore,  took  possession  of  their  minds, 
which  was  often  intiamed  by  acts  of  aggression  on  the  part  of  the 
Europeans.  Thus  wars  ensued,  which,  in  point  of  fact,  constitute  a 
large  part  of  the  history  of  the  colonies.  In  order  to  understand  the 
narratives  belonging  to  this  period,  it  is  necessary  to  take  a somewhat 
closer  view  of  the  manners  and  customs  of  those  people. 


Chap.  XXXIX.— 1.  What  of  the  Indians  of  America  ? The  Esquimaux  ? 2.  What  of 

tha  I?)riians  from  the  Canadas  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico?  3.  Jealousy  of  the  Indians? 


92 


HIS  ORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


4.  The  tribes  in  New  England  were,  principally,  the  Pe-nob'-scots  in 
Maine ; the  Paw-tuck'-ets  between  Maine  and  Salem ; the  Massachusetts 
around  the  Massachusetts  Bay;  the  Po-ka-no'-kets  in  south-eastern 
Massachusetts;  the  Narragansets  about  Rhode  Island;  and  thePe'- 
quods  in  the  southern  or  south-eastern  part  of  Connecticut. 

5.  There  were  indeed  other  tribes  and  divisions  of  tribes,  such  as 
theMo-he'-gans,  theNipmucks,  the  Marn-pa-no'-ags,  &c. ; but  they  were 
not  numerous,  and  were  generally  tributary  to  the  larger  tribes.  Nor 
were  the  larger  tribes  so  numerous  as  some  have  hastily  supposed. 
Judicious  authors  on  the  subject  have  estimated  the  whole  number  -at 
only  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  thousand  for  the  eastern, 
middle,  and  southern  states. 

6.  The  Indians  had  no  houses,  but  lived  chiefly  in  rude  huts,  or,  as 
they  were  called,  wigwams.  These  were  built  of  sticks,  leaves,  bark, 
and  sometimes  of  skins,  in  the  shape  of  tents.  They  were  usually  ar- 
ranged in  small  clusters,  or  villages ; one  wigwam  often  serving  for 
several  families.  Like  the  wandering  Tartars,  they  often  removed 
their  villages.  A village  contained,  usually,  from  fifty  to  two  hundred 
inhabitants. 

7.  They  knew  little  of  agriculture,  though  in  some  places  they  raised 
corn  and  beans,  and  a few  peas,  melons,  &c.  The  employments  of  the 
men  were  chiefly  hunting,  fishing,  and  war.  Of  arts  and  manufactures 
they  barely  knew  enough  to  make  their  wigwams,  weapons  of  war, 
hunting  and  fishing,  articles  of  dress  and  ornaments,  wampum,  and  a 
few  domestic  utensils  and  agricultural  implements. 

8.  Their  food  was  simple,  coarse,  plainly  cooked,  and,  from  their 
natural  indolence,  sometimes  scanty.  At  times  they  subsisted  chiefly  on 
flesh — raw,  roasted,  or  boiled,  according  to  convenience.  At  other  times,, 
when  not  too  indolent  to  procure  it,  they  subsisted  on  parched  corn, 
hominy,  or  a mixture  of  corn  and  beans,  which  they  called  succotash. 
The  females  usually  prepared  the  food  and  cultivated  the  vegetables. 

9.  Their  dress,  except  in  winter,  consisted  chiefly  of  a slight  cover- 
ing about  the  waist,  with  ornaments  for  the  face,  wrists,  or  ankles. 
In  winter  they  dressed  in  iintanned  skins  and  in  furs.  They  were  little 
aflected  by  external  beauty,  even  personal  beauty,  notwithstanding 
t neir  fondness  for  ornament.  In  war,  and  on  occasions  of  ceremony,  th  ey 
] tainted  their  faces  with  various  bright  colors,  giving  them  a hideous 
appearance.  For  amusements,  they  danced  around  a fire,  or  sang  songs, 
or  recited  stories  of  their  victories.  Though  in  general  the  Indians  had  a 
moody  and  melancholy  look,  they  sometimes  indulged  in  hearty  mirth. 


4.  What  of  the  tribes  of  Indians  in  New  England?  5,  Other  tribes?  6.  Indian  dwellings  ? 
Villages?  7.  Agriculture  ? Employments  of  the  men?  Arts  and  manufactures  ? 8.  Food? 
The  women  ? 9.  Dress  ? Amusements  ? 


MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  THE  INDIANS.  93 


10.  Their  hatchets,  knives,  other  implements,  were  chiefly  shells 
or  sharp  stones ; more  frequently  the  latter.  The  bow  and  arrow  and 
tomahawk,  as  we  have  already  stated,  were  their  chief  weapons  of  war. 
They  pounded  their  corn  in  large  stones,  scooped  or  hollowed  out. 
The  ground  served  them  instead  of  chairs,  tables,  and  beds.  Their 
thread  for  nets,  etc.,  was  made  of  the  tendons  of  animals,  and  their 
fish-hooks  of  bones.  For  money,  they  used  wampum^  or  beads  made 
of  the  shells  of  clams  strung  together  in  chains,  or  fastened  to  belts. 

11.  The  Indians  had  no  books,  or  schools,  or  churches.  They  had, 
it  is  true,  some  ideas  of  good  and  evil  spirits ; their  principal  deity 
was  called  Manitou.  They  appear  to  have  had  a belief  in  a future 
existence  beyond  the  grave ; but  their  notions  on  this  subject  were  very 
crude  and  confused ; and  their  religion  and  religious  worship,  when 
they  had  any,  exerted  but  little  influence  on  their  general  conduct. 

12.  Polygamy  was  allowed  among  them ; and  though  they  could 
hardly  be  said  to  be  distinguished  for  licentiousness,  there  was  not 
among  them  that  tender  and  respectful  regard  for  the  female  sex 
which  is  not  only  a principal  element  of  human  happiness,  but  one  of 
the  strongest  bonds  of  society.  Their  government  and  customs  of  war 
will  be  seen  in  the  progress  of  our  history. 

13.  Diseases  among  the  savages  of  America  were  fewer  in  number 
than  in  civilized  society ; but  they  were  sometimes  very  fatal,  as  in  the 
case  of  the  smallpox.  Their  medical  treatment  was  simple,  consisting, 
for  the  most  part,  of  a little  herb  tea,  and  warm  or  coFd  bathing ; some- 
times, however,  they  resorted  to  powwows  or  sorcerers,  who  pretended 
to  charm  away  diseases. 

14.  When  an  Indian  died,  the  survivors  dug  a hole  in  the  ground, 
and  having  wrapped  the  corpse  in  skins  and  mats,  laid  it  therein. 
Whatever  was  deemed  most  useful  to  the  individual  while  living,  as 
his  implements  of  war  or  hunting,  were  buried  with  him  ; probably  in 
the  vague  belief  that  they  might  be  useful  to  him  in  a future  state. 
Some  corpses  were  buried  sitting,  with  their  faces  to  the  east. 


10.  utensils?  Weapons  of  war?  How  did  they  pound  their  corn?  What  served 
them  for  chairs,  tables,  etc.  ? Nets?  Hooks?  Money?  11.  Books?  Schools?  Churches? 
Religious  notions?  12.  Polygamy?  Respect  for  the  female  sex  ? 13.  Diseases?  Medical 
treatment?  Powwows?  14.  Burial  ceremonies? 


94 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


INDIAN  VILLAGE. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

The  Eight  Families  of  Indians — Algonquins^  Enron 
Iroquois^  Dalikotahs^  Catawbas^  CheroTtees^  TJchees^ 
Choctaws^  and  Natchez. — Their  Character.^  Manners.^ 
Customs.)  etc. 

1.  Such  were  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  New  England  Indians; 
they,  were,  however,  only  a small  part  of  those  who  dwelt  within  the 
present  limits  of  the  United  States. 

2.  These  comprised  numerous  small  bands,  though  historians  class 
them  in  eight  great  families.  First,  there  was  the  Al-gon'-quin 
Family,  occu])ying  nearly  the  whole  country  from  the  Canadas  to  the 
Carolinas,  and  embracing  nearly  all  the  Indians  with  whom  the  early 
'^ettlers  came  in  contact,  as  well  those  of  New  England  as  the  Mid- 
dle States  and  Virginia. 

3.  The  second  family  was  that  of  the  Hu'-ron  Ik'-o-quois,  their 


Chap.  XL. — 1,  2.  What  of  the  bands  or  tribes  among  the  Indians  in  the  territory  of  the 
United  States  at  the  time  of  its  settlement?  Into  how  many  great  families  are  they  di- 
vided by  historians?  What  of  the  Algonquin  family? 


96  HISTOKi^  Oi?'  THE  UJ^iTED  STATES. 

seat  being  around  Lake  Erie  and  Lake  Huron.  Tbe  third  family  was 
that  of  the  Dah-ko'-tahs,  or  Sioux  \sioo\  living  mostly  west  of  the 
Mississippi,  where  they  still  form  a powerful  tribe. 

4.  The  fourth  family  was 
that  of  the  Oa-taw'-bas,  liv- 
ing in  the  interior  of  Caro- 
lina. To  the  west  of  these 
lived  the  Chee-o-kees',  still 
a powerful  tribe  in  the  W est, 
where  they  have  become  par- 
tially civilized.  TheU-CHEEs', 
a small  family  whose  history 
is  little  known,  dwelt  in  the 
northern  part  of  Georgia. 

5.  The  Ohoo'-taws,  called 
the  Mabilian  Family^  occu- 
pied the  southern  parts  o^ 
the  present  United  States, 
from  the  Mississippi  to  the 
Atlantic.  It  included  many 
nations,  and  among  them 
the  Ceeeks,  whose  history 
has  largely  figured  in  the  an- 
nals of  our  country. 

6.  On  the  east  bank  of  the 
Mississippi,  near  the  site  of 
the  present  city  of  Natchez, 

lived  the  family  of  that  name.  They  were  a small  tribe,  but  appear 
to  have  Lad  some  connection  with  the  Mexicans,  which  had  imparted 
to  them  some  ideas  of  civilization  not  shown  by  the  other  natives  we 
have  mentioned. 

T.  Each  of  these  great  families  had  its  own  language,  yet  they  all 
bore  a general  resemblance  to  each  otlier.  As  we  have  stated,  the 
minor  tribes  had  also  their  peculiar  dialects,  yet  all  those  belonging  to 
one  family  could  communicate  with  each  other.  Thus  the  several 
tribes  of  New  England  could  all  communicate  with  each  other,  and  also 
with  the  other  branches  of  the  Algonquin  family,  as  the  DeV -a-wares^ 
the  Mi-am'-is,  Ot'-ta-was,  &c.,  living  further  to  the  west. 

8.  The  manners  and  customs  of  these  tribes  were  nearly  the  same 
as  tliose  we  have  described  as  belonging  to  the  New  England  Indians. 
With  them  all,  war  and  the  chase,  with  fishing,  were  the  chief  occupa- 

3.  The  ITuron  Iroquois  ? The  Dahkotahs  ? 4.  The  Catawlwas?  The  Oherokees  ? The 
'Jchees?  Tx  The  Choctaws?  6.  The  Natchez?  7.  Language  of  the  Indians? 


MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  THE  INDIANS. 


97 


tions  of  the  men : the  women  tilled  the  land  and  hore  all  burdens  diir^ 
ing  journeys.  Among  some  tribes  they  dressed  skins  for  clothing  and 
hut  covers,  and  wove  mats  for  beds  from  the  hark  of  trees. 

9.  The  love  of  display  in  dress  was  a characteristic  of  the  men,  even 
the  warriors,  who  not  only  tattooed  their  faces,  arms,  necks,  and 
shoulders,  hut  decorated  themselves  with  the  heads  of  wild  animals, 
the  claws  and  feathers  of  birds,  and  the  hones  of  fishes. 

10.  Among  all  the  tribes  the  women  were  mere  slaves,  condemned 
to  perform  all  the  menial  labor,  and  not  only  excluded  from  war  and 
hunting,  hut  even  from  the  sports  of  leaping,  dancing,  target-shooting, 
ball-playing,  and  various  games  of  chance,  in  which  the  men  indulged 
with  passionate  delight.  The  highest  indulgence  of  the  female  sex 
was  to  witness  these  sports  on  the  part  of  their  lords  and  masters. 

11.  At  the  time  of  the  settlement  of  the  English  in  this  country,  by 
far  the  greater  part  of  the  Indians  lived  east  of  the  Mississippi ; now- 
they  are  nearly  all  removed  west  of  that  river.  Many  of  the  tribes 
that  flourished  in  the  early  days  of  the  colonies,  have  entirely  passed 


8.  Manners  and  customs?  9.  Love  of  display  in  dress  ? 10.  Condition  of  tjie  women? 
1 1.  Where  did  the  greater  part  of  the  early  Indians  dwell  ? 

9 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


away : all  are  reduced  to  comparative  insignificance.  Most  have  ex- 
changed the  bow  and  arrow  for  the  rifie,  and  wear  blankets  instead 
of  skins. 

12.  When  first  known  by  the  whites  they  had  neither  horses,  cattle, 
dogs,  sheep,  nor  domestic  fowls : now  they  have  horses,  and  are  among 
the  swiftest  and  most  dexterous  of  riders.  ITevertheless,  they  are 
gradually  dwindling  away,  and  before  many  years  are  past,  the  race 
will  doubtless  be  entirely  blotted  out. 

13.  Such  is  a brief  outline  of  the  character  and  condition  of  the 
^savages  within  the  boundaries  of  the  United  States,  at  the  early  period 
of  which  we  are  speaking.  We  shall  have  occasion  to  fill  up  this 
picture  by  incidents  and  narratives,  illustrative  of  their  disposition, 
habits,  and  capacity. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

Evangelizing  the  Indians  in  New  England. — The  May' 
hews. — Eliot^  the  Indian  Apostle. 

1.  We  now  return  to  the  history  of  New  England.  One  of  the  more 

important  as  well 
as  more  interest- 
ing results  of  the 
union  of  the  col- 
onies, of  which 
we  have  given 
an  account,  was 
the  civilization 
and  improve- 
ment of  the  In- 
dians, whose 
manners  and  cus- 
toms, as  we  have 
seen,  were  alto- 
gether rude  and 

ELIOT  PREACHING.  Savage.  During 

the  peace  with 

them,  between  the  Pequod  war  and  the  war  with  Philip,  it  pleased  God 
to  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  many  to  do  them  good.  Among  these  bene- 
factors were  several  persons  of  the  name  of  Mayhew,  and  John  Eliot. 


12.  What  of  horses,  cattle,  etc 

Chap.  XLI. — 1.  What  followed  the  union  of  the  colonies? 


ELIOT,  THE  INDIAN  APOSTLE. 


99 


2.  One  of  the  May  hews  had  a church  of  one  hundred  communicants 
at  Martha’s  Vineyard.  His  son,  Experience  Mayhew,  besides  having 
the  charge  of  five  or  six  congregations  of  Indians,  learned  their  lan- 
guage, and  translated  portions  of  the  Bible  into  it.  He  also  wrote  the 
lives  of  thirty  native  Indian  preachers,  and  eighty  pious  Indian  men, 
women,  and  children.  He  spent  sixty-three  years  of  his  life  in  the 
ministry,  chiefly  among  the  Indians. 

3.  But  no  man  was  so  greatly  distinguished  for  his  labors  of  love 
among  the  Indians  as  John  Eliot.  He  was  horn  in  England,  in  1604. 
In  early  life  he  was  an  usher  in  a grammar-school,  under  the  Hev. 
Thomas  Hooker,  the  celebrated  individual  who  led  sixty  men,  women, 
and  children  across  the  woods  from  Boston  to  Hartford,  to  settle  Con- 
necticut. 

4.  Mr.  Eliot  came  to  Boston  in  1631,  and  was  settled  as  a minister 
in  Boxbury  the  next  year,  where  he  remained  about  sixty  years,  that 
is,  until  his  death.  He  had  not  been  in  Boxbury  long  before  he  began 
to  take  a deep  interest  in  the  Indians,  whom  he  believed  to  be  the 
descendants  of  the  lost  tribes  of  Israel. 

5.  The  first  thing  he  did,  in  preparation  for  his  work,  was  to  learn 
their  language.  This  occupied  him  several  years.  The  translation  of 
the  Bible  into  the  Indian  language  took  up  two  years  more.  At  the 
age  of  forty-two  he  found  himself  sufficiently  acquainted  with  their 
language  to  converse  with  them  and  teach  them  both  publicly  and  in 
private. 

6.  Soon  he  was  found  in  their  wigwams,  teaching  them  and  their 
children  to  read,  praying  with  them,  telling  them  about  God,  preach- 
ing short  and  plain  sermons  to  them,  discouraging  the  use  of  strong 
drinks,  as  well  as  all  their  favorite  vices,  instructing  them  in  farming 
and  gardening,  and  endeavoring  in  every  possible  way  to  make  them 
wiser  and  better. 

'7.  Mr.  Eliot  not  only  told  them  what  to  do,  but  he  actually  set  them 
to  work,  and  sometimes  worked  with  them.  He  furnished  the  men 
with  spades,  shovels,  crow-bars,  etc.,  and  the  women  with  spinning- 
wlieels.  He  set  up  schools  and  churches  among  them,  and  prepared 
ministers  and  schoolmasters.  So  faithful  and  numerous  were  liis  labors, 
that  he  obtained  the  name  of  the  Indian  Apostle. 

8.  The  following  anecdote  will  serve  to  show  the  nature  of  Mr. 
Eliot’s  influence.  One  Sabbath  evening,  on  returning  from  church,  a 
converted  Indian  found  his^fire  gone  out,  and,  in  order  to  kindle  it,  he 
split  a little  dry  wood  with  his  hatchet.  This  was  thought  by  many 


2.  The  Mayhews?  3.  Eliot’s  early  life?  4.  Where  was  ho  settled  ? 5.  What  of  his  learn- 
ing the  Indian  language ? Translating  the  Bible?  6,  7.  How  did  Eliot  proceed  wHk 
the  Indians  ? 8.  Anecdote  of  an  Indian  ? 


100 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


of  the  Indians  a breach  of  the  Sabbath,  and  was,  at  their  next  meet' 
ing,  taken  up  and  discussed. 

9.  Mr.  Eliot  labored  more  particularly  around  Boston — in  Roxbury, 
Dorchester,  Mewton,  Watertown,  and  i^atick.  He  was  especially  em- 
ployed at  a place  called  Honantum,  in  the  present  town  of  Hewton, 
and  at  Hatick.  But  he  also  went  abroad,  and  labored  in  the  region 
about  Lowell,  Lancaster,  Brookfield,  Yarmouth,  and  elsewhere.  He 
not  only  translated  the  Bible,  but  other  books,  into  the  Indian  lan- 
guage. 

10.  In  short,  the  good  he  did  was  incalculable.  In  1660,  there  were 
ten  towns  near  Boston  in  which  the  Indians  were  for  the  most  part 
professedly  pious,  and  were,  till  Philip’s  war,  fast  adopting  the  customs 
of  civilization.  After  Mr.  Eliot’s  death,  the  number  of  Praying 
Indians,”  as  they  were  called,  was  estimated  at  five  thousand ; and, 
in  1696,  thirty  Indian  churches  existed. 

11.  Mr.  Eliot  was  regarded,  in  his  day,  as  somewhat  eccentric.  He 
discouraged  personal  ornaments  and  useless  expenditures.  He  was  op- 
posed to  wigs,  wine,  and  tobacco!  He  wished  to  have  every  thing  so 
managed  that  it  might  accomplish  the  greatest  good  to  mankind,  and 
the  greatest  glory  to  God. 


CHAPTEE  XLII. 

Witchcraft  in  New  England, 

1.  It  was  during  the  long  period  of  peace  which  has  been  alluded  to 
in  the  foregoing  chapters  that  the  troubles  arose  in  Massachusetts  about 
witchcraft,  of  which  so  much  has  been  said  in  history,  and  on  account 
of  which  such  heavy  charges  have  been  made  against  our  forefathers. 

2.  The  first  case  of  the  kind  occurred  in  Springfield,  in  1645.  In 
June,  1648,  the  charge  of  witchcraft  was  brought  against  Margaret 
Jones,  of  Charlestown,  and  she  was  executed.  Ann  Hibbins,  of  Bos- 
ton, came  next;  she  was  executed  in  1656.  Here  the  subject  rested 
for  about  thirty  years,  when  it  was  again  revived ; and  there  was  one 
more  execution  in  Boston. 

3.  Four  years  afterward,  viz.,  in  1692,  the  supposed  witchcraft  broke 
out  in  Salem  and  Danvers.  Here  the  first  subjects  of  it  were  children. 
The  disorder,  whatever  its  character  may  have  been,  spread  to  the 

9.  Where  did  Eliot  chiefly  bestow  his  efforts  ? 10.  What  effect  did  Eliot’s  efibrts  pro- 
duce? 11.  Character  of  Eliot  ? 

Chap.  XLII. — 1.  What  of  witchcraft?  2.  What  cases  occurred  prior  to  1692?  3.  What 
happened  in  1692  ? 


WITCHCRAFT  IN  NEW  ENGLAND. 


101 


neighboring  country  towns,  particularly  Andover,  Ipswich,  and  Glouces- 
ter. At  first  it  affected  the  lower  classes  only ; but  at  length  it  per- 
vaded all  ranks  and  conditions. 

4.  Two  daughters  of  a minister,  in  Salem,  were  strangely  affected. 
Before  this  they  had  been  quiet,  happy  children,  but  now  they  began 
to  look  wild,  shriek,  tell  strange  stories,  sit  barefoot  among  the  ashes, 
or  go  abroad  with  their  clothes  and  hair  in  great  disorder,  looking  like 
insane  people.  Sometimes  they  were  dumb ; at  others  they  would 
complain  of  being  pricked  severely  with  pins. 

5.  The  madness  continuing  to  spread,  the  charge  of  witchcraft  was 
at  length  brought  against  one  poor  minister  himself.  All  sorts  of  strange 
stories  were  told  about  him.  It  was  especially  said  that  he  had  in- 
tercourse with  the  devil ; and  the  fact  that  he  was  an  uncommonly 
athletic  and  strong  man,  may  have  favored  this  idea.  He  would  not 
confess  guilt,  and  was  hanged.  Those  who  confessed  the  crime  of 
witchcraft,  however,  were  not  executed. 

6.  It  was,  indeed,  a fearful  time.  Multitudes  were  suspected  and 
accused,  and  at  one  period  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  were 
in  prison  for  witchcraft.  What  number  were  actually  executed,  while 
“the  fever  lasted,”  is  not  quite  certain.  It  is  generally  said  that  two 
hundred  were  accused,  one  hundred  and  fifty  imprisoned,  twenty-eight 
condemned,  nineteen  hanged,  and  one  pressed  to  death. 

7.  But  the  excitement  at  length  passed  away;  and  the  more  rapidly 
in  proportion  as  the  criminals  were  treated  with  clemency.  Multitudes 
owned,  at  length,  that  they  confessed  their  guilt  to  save  their  lives! 
For  a century  past  little  has  been  said  of  witchcraft  in  the  United 
States,  and  few  believe  in  its  existence.  The  events  we  have  narrated 
are  supposed  to  have  been  the  result  of  delusion. 

8.  Hor  was  this  disease,  or  delusion,  much  known  in  this  country, 
even  in  its  day,  out  of  Hew  England.  One  old  woman  was  indeed  ac- 
cused of  the  crime  in  Pennsylvania.  Penn  himself  happened  to  be 
the  judge,  and  gave  the  charge  to  the  jury.  They  brought  in  a verdict 
that  her  friends  should  be  bound  for  her  to  keep  the  peace,  which  put 
an  end  to  witchcraft  in  that  province. 

9.  Supposed  cases  of  witchcraft  had  been  common  in  Europe  for 
centuries,  and,  about  the  time  of  the  excitement  in  Hew  England, 
thousands  were  e^xecuted  in  England  and  other  countries  there. 


4.  What  of  two  daughters  of  a minister  ? 5.  What  of  the  mania?  A poor  minister? 
6,  What  of  the  state  of  things  during  the  excitement?  How  many  were  imprisoned? 
How  many  accused?  How  many  executed  ? 7.  What  of  the  passing  away  of  the  excite- 
ment ? 8.  What  of  the  delusion  elsewhere  ? 9.  In  Europe  ? 

9* 


102 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEK  XLIII. 

History  of  New  York  from  1640  to  the  French  cmd 
Indian  War. 

1.  We  have  seen  how  the  Dutch  had  effected  settlements  on  the 
Hudson  River,  they  having  given  the  name  of  New  Netherlands  to  the 
lands  which  they  claimed,  including  not  only  the  present  territory  of 
New  York,  but  that  of  Connecticut,  and  also  of  New  Jersey.  Their 
title  to  Connecticut  was  soon  terminated  by  the  occupation  of  the  New 
England  settlers,  hut  their  claims  to  New  Jersey  continued  till  they 
were  obliged  to  yield  their  whole  settlements  in  this  quarter  to  the 
English  in  1664. 

2.  The  country  around  the  rising  town  of  New  Amsterdam,  on  the 
island  of  Manhattan,  was  peopled  with  numerous  tribes  of  Indians, 
who  were  generally  hostile,  and  who  inflicted  great  injuries  upon  the 
colonists.  The  Dutch  governors  of  New  Netherlands  had  almost  con- 
stant occupation  in  defending  the  settlements  from  these  savages, 
though  they  also  found  time  to  attack  and  drive  off  European  colonists 
who  established  themselves  in  different  places  upon  the  territories  they 
claimed. 

3.  About  the  year  1640,  the  Indians  of  Long  Island  and  New  Jersey, 
enraged  at  being  cheated  by  dishonest  traders,  and  still  further  excited 
by  rum,  broke  out  into  open  war.  They  attacked  the  settlers  on  Staten 
Island,  and  threatened  New  Amsterdam  itself.  William  Klieft  was 
then  governor  of  New  Netherlands,  and  though  he  displayed  the  ut- 
most cruelty  toward  tlie  Indians,  he  had  little  success  in  subduing 
them. 

4.  In  1643,  however,  he  employed  an  Englishman  named  Underhilb 
who  had  been  distinguished  in  the  conflicts  with  the  Indians  of  New 
England,  to  command  a considerable  body  of  men,  who  attacked  and 
defeated  the  tribes  of  Long  Island,  and,  crossing  over  to  the  mainland, 
inflicted  the  same  chastisement  on  the  tribes  at  Horseneck.  Peace  was 
consequently  proposed  and  gladly  accepted  by  both  parties. 

5.  Klieft,  however,  was  exceedingly  unpopular,  a^d  his  recall  was 
demanded  by  the  colonists;  he  set  out  to  return  to  Holland  with  a 
ship  richly  laden,  but  he  never  reached  his  destination.  His  vessel  was 
wrecked  on  tlie  coast  of  Wales,  and  the  governor  perished. 


Chap.  XLIII. — 1.  How  was  the  Dutch  title  to  Connecticut  terminated?  What  of 
their  claim  to  New  Jersey  ? 2.  What  of  the  Indians?  8.  What  of  the  Indians  in  1640  ? 
4.  In  1643  ? 5.  What  of  Governor  Klieft? 


103 


r-.OVERNOR  STUYVESANT 

6.  TJic  most  celebrated  of  tiie  Dutch  governors  was  Peter  Stuyvesant, 
who  arrived  in  the  colony  in  1647.  By  judicious  management,  he  con- 
ciliated the  Indians,  and  thus  converted  dangerous  foes  into  friends. 
He  settled  the  dispute  as  to  boundary  which  had  continued  for  several 
years  with  the  neighboring  colony  of  Connecticut,  and  also,  in  1655, 
subdued  and  took  })ossession  of  the  Swedish  colony  of  Isew  Sweden, 
consisting  of  several  small  settlements  on  the  Delaware  Eiver,  near  its 
mouth. 

7.  In  1663,  the  Indians  again  became  inflamed  with  hostility.  They 
made  a sudden  attack  on  the  settlement  of  Esopus,  now  Kingston,  and 
sixty -five  of  the  inhabitants  were  either  killed  or  carried  into  captivity. 
A severe  chastisement,  however,  speedily  followed  this  act  of  bar- 
barity. A force  dispatched  from  Kew  Amsterdam  pursued  the  savages 
to  their  villages,  laying  waste  their  fields,  killing  numbers  of  their 
warriors,  and  releasing  the  captives  they  had  taken.  These  vigorous 
measures  resulted  in  peace  May,  1664. 

8.  The  province  of  New  Netherlands,  however,  had  still  many  diffi- 
culties to  contend  with.  It  had  serious  disputes  as  to  territory  with 
Lord  Baltimore,  the  proprietor  of  Maryland,  and  the  governor  of  Vir- 
ginia at  the  south,  and  with  the  colonies  of  Massachusetts  and  Con- 
necticut, the  latter  laying  claim  to  the  eastern  part  of  Long  Island. 

! 9.  In  these  adverse  circumstances  Governor  Stuyvesant  conducted 
with  wisdom  and  ability : but  events  of  a still  more  serious  nature, 
and  quite  beyond  his  control,  were  now  approaching.  The  government 
of  the  colony,  under  a company  in  Holland,  was  in  the  highest  degree 
arbitrary,  allowing  the  people  no  voice  whatever  in  the  management 
of  affairs.  In  New  England  the  colonists  formed  and  conducted  the 
government,  subject  only  to  certain  general  regulations  from  the  mother 
country. 

10.  The  Dutch  colonists,  observing  these  facts,  became  dissatisfied 
with  their  situation,  and  now,  as  rumors  of  an  English  invasion  began 
to  bo  circulated  among  them,  they  were  actually  prepared  to  welcome 
such  an  event.  In  1664,  at  a time  of  peace  between  England  and  Hol- 
land, Charles  II.,  king  of  England,  proceeding  upon  claims  which  had 
been  maintained  from  the  beginning,  granted  to  his  brother,  James, 
Duke  of  York,  the  whole  territory  from  the  mouth  of  the  Connecticut 
io  the  shores  of  the  Delaware  Kiver. 

11.  The  Duke  soon  after  caused  a squadron  to  be  fitted  out,  com- 


6.  What  of  Governor  Stuyvesant?  7.  What  occurred  to  the  Indians  in  1663?  8.  What 

other  diflBculties  attended  the  province  of  Ncm'^  Netherlands?  9.  What  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  colony  at  that  period?  How  did  the  government  of  New  England  differ  from 
the  Dutch  of  New  Netherlands?  10.  What  ideas  had  the  Dutch  colonists  derived  from 
N ew  England  ? What  occurred  in  1664  ? 


104  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

manded  by  Colonel  Nichola-s,  with  instructions  to  take  possession  of  the 
prov;rice.  When  this  arrived  before  N’ew  Amsterdam,  the  place  was 
without  defence,  and  although  Governor  Stuyvesant  endeavored  to 
rouse  the  people  to  resistance,  it  was  in  vain,  and  consequently  he  was 
obliged  to  surrender  it  to  the  English.  The  government  of  England 
was  from  this  time,  October,  1664,  acknowledged  over  the  whole  ter- 
ritory of  'New  ^Netherlands,  the  capital  receiving  the  name  of  N'ew 
York,  and  Fort  Orange  that  of  Albany. 

12.  From  tins  period  the  province  of  New  Netherlands,  henceforth 
called  New  York,  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  English,  except  that  in 
1673,  during  a war  between  England  and  Holland,  the  latter  captured 
the  city  of  New  York,  but  it  was  restored,  on  the  return  of  peace,  the 
next  year.  The  government  was  carried  on  by  a succession  of  gover- 
nors, who,  for  the  most  part,  conducted  in  the  most  arbitrary  manner. 

13.  The  first  governor,  being  appointed  by  the  Duke  of  Y"ork, 
to  whom  the  province  belonged,  was  Colonel  Nicholas.  In  1674  the 
noted  Sir  Edmond  Andros,  afterward  the  tyrant  of  New  England,  be- 
came governor.  During  the  several  wars  which  took  place  between 
France  and  England  from  1690  to  1763,  the  northern  colonies,  lying 
along  the  Canadian  borders,  w^ere  involved  in  the  most  serious  calami- 
ties. The  savages,  to  a great  extent,  took  part  with  the  enemy,  and, 
to  the  inevitable  miseries  of  war,  added  the  barbarities  of  Indian 
strife. 

14.  In  these  conflicts.  New  Y^ork  took  a leading  part,  and  suffered  her 
share  of  the  common  burden,  as  will  be  hereafter  noticed.  The  prov- 
ince, however,  steadily  advanced  in  numbers,  w^ealth,  and  civilization. 

15.  There  is  one  melancholy  page  in  the  later  history  of  New  York, 
which  must  not  be  omitted.  In  the  year  1741,  there  being  many  negro 
slaves  in  the  colony,  a rumor  became  current  that  some  of  these  had 
combined  to  burn  the  city  of  New  York,  and  make  one  of  their  num- 
ber governor. 

16.  The  subject  was  investigated  by  the  magistrates,  and,  as  there 
were  plenty  of  witnesses,  there  were  no  less  than  thirty  of  these  per- 
sons executed,  some  being  burned  at  the  stake.  After  the  excitement 
of  the  public  mind  had  passed  away,  it  was  generally  believed  that 
what  has  since  been  called  in  history  the  Negro  Plot^  had  no  real  foun- 
dation, and  that  the  whole  proceeded  from  mere  delusion. 


11.  What  of  tlie  expedition  sent  nnder  the  command  of  Colo»^,el  Nicholas?  12.  From 
what  period  did  the  government  continue  in  the  hands  of  the  English  ? 13.  Who  was  the 

first  governor  under  the  Duke  of  York?  Who  succeeded  Nichola*  in  1674?  What  of  ttie 
wars  hetween  the  French  and  Englisli  between  1690  and  176>?  U.  What  part  did  New 
York  take  in  these  wars?  15,  16.  IVhal  of  the  Negro  Plot? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 


105 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

History  of  New  Jersey  from  its  first  settlement  to  the 
Revolution. 

1.  The  territory  comprising  the  present  state  of  New  Jersey  formed 
part  of  the  Dutch  province  of  New  Netherlands.  In  1623,  a small 
fort,  which  bore  the  name  of  Nassau,  was  built  on  the  eastern  side  oi 
the  Delaware,  but  was  soon  abandoned.  About  the  same  time  a few 
families  established  themselves  at  Bergen,  and  also  on  the  present  site 
of  Jersey  City. 

2.  Soon  after  the  province  of  New  Netherlands  came  into  the  hands 
of  the  English,  the  territory  of  New  Jersey,  having  been  transferred 
to  Lord  Berkley  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  by  the  Duke  of  York,  was 
organized  as  a separate  province,  under  its  present  name.  A liberal 
government  was  adopted,  and  in  1665,  Philip  Carteret  arrived,  and 
became  the  first  governor. 

3.  A small  settlement  had  been  made  the  year  previous  at  Elizabeth- 
town by  emigrants  from  Long  Island ; here  the  new  governor  fixed 
his  residence,  and  hence  it  became  the  seat  of  government.  This  set- 
tlement at  Elizabethtown  in  1664,  is  regarded  as  the  first  regular  and 
permanent  colonization  of  the  state. 

4.  The  new  colony  enjoyed  many  advantages  denied  to  some  other 
northern  settlements : the  climate  was  mild,  and  the  government  liber- 
al, while  the  Indians,  having  been  humbled  by  the  Dutch,  gave  little 
occasion  of  uneasiness.  Under  these  circumstances,  many  emigrants 
from  New  England  and  New  York,  mingled  with  a few  others  of 
various  nations,  soon  arrived,  and  thus  for  a series  of  years  the  colony 
advanced  in  prosperity. 

5.  At  length,  however,  difficulties  of  various  kinds  arose.  In  1673, 
the  Dutch,  as  we  have  already  stated,  recovered  the  province  of  New 
Netherlands,  and  with  it  the  territory  of  New  Jersey  ; these,  however, 
were  restored  the  next  year.  In  1676,  the  province  having  passed  to 
new  proprietors,  was  divided  into  East  Jersey  and  West  Jersey. 

6.  In  1685,  the  Duke  of  York  became  king  of  England  under  the 
title  of  James  II.,  and,  utterly  disregarding  his  former  pledges,  in  1688 


Chap.  XLIV. — I.  Of  what  did  New  Jersey  form  a part?  What  of  Nassau?  What 
settlements  at  Bergen  and  Jersey  City?  2.  To  whom  did  the  Duke  of  York  grant  the 
territory  of  New  Jersey  ? Who  became  governor  ? 3.  What  of  Elizabethtown  ? 4.  What 
advantages  did  the  colony  of  New  Jersey  possess?  What  was  the  effect  of  these  advan- 
tages? 5.  What  difficulties  arose  in  New  Jersey  in  1673?  What  took  place  in  1676f 
6.  What  of  the  Duke  of  York  in  1685  ? 

5* 


106  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

assumed  the  government  of  both  the  Jerseys,  placing  them  under  the 
control  of  Sir  Edmond  Andros,  whom  he  had  already  made  governor 
of  Kew  York  and  IsTew  England. 

7.  The  revolution  in  England  ‘put  an  end  to  this  state  of  things,  hut 
left  New  Jersey  for  a number  of  years  in  a very  unsettled  and  dis- 
organized state.  In  1702  the  proprietors  resigned  their  claims,  to  the 
crown  of  England,  and  it  became  a royal  province,  being  united,  how- 
ever, to  New  York.  In  this  condition  it  continued  till  1738,  when  it 
became  a separate  province,  and  so  continued  till  the  Revolution. 


CHAPTER  XLV. 

History  of  Delaware, — Design  of  Gustavus  Adolphus, — - 
Settlement  on  Christiana  Creek,' — Founding  of  the  Swed- 
ish Colony, — Its  Conquest  hy  the  Dutch, — Other  events, 

1.  The  celebrated  Gus-ta'-vus  A-doT-phus,  king  of  Swe'-den,  had 
formed  the  plan  of  establishing  colonies  in  America,  and  as  early  as 
1626,  under  his  auspices,  a trading  company  was  formed,  designed  to 
promote  this  object.  The  king  was,  however,  absorbed  in  the  German 
war,  and  died  on  the  field  of  Lut'-zen,  in  1632,  without  having  effected 
the  scheme  which  he  had  at  heart. 

2.  After  his  death,  the  project  was  taken  up  by  his  minister,  and 
Peter  Minuits,  the  first  governor  of  New  Netherlands,  but  who  had 
been  superseded  by  Wou'-ter  Van  Twif-ler,  was  employed  to  carry  it 
into  effect.  In  1638,  a small  Swedish  colony,  under  the  direction  of 
Minuits,  arrived,  and  formed  a settlement  on  Christiana  Creek,  near 
the  present  town  of  Wilmington,  at  the  same  time  building  a fort  for 
defence. 

3.  Klieft,  the  governor  of  New  Netherlands,  considered  this  an  en- 
croachment upon  his  territories,  for  the  Dutch  company  claimed  the 
whole  country  from  Cape  Cod  to  Cape  Henlopen.  He  therefore  sent 
a remonstrance  to  the  Swedish  settlers  on  Christiana  Creek ; but,  as 
this  was  unheeded,  he  caused  Fort  Nassau  to  be  built  on  the  eastern 
bank  of  the  Delaware-  as  we  have  already  stated,  the  same  being  de- 
signed as  a check  upon  the  Swedes. 


What  did  James  II.  do  in  1688  ? 7.  What  effect  had  the  revolution  in  England  ’ What 
iccurred  in  1702?  In  1738? 

Chap.  XLV. — 1.  What  of  Gustavus  Adolphus  ? 2.  When  did  the  Swedish  colony  under 
Minuits  arrive?  Where  did  they  make  a settlement  ? 3.  What  of  Governor  Kl’cft? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  THE  CAROLINAS. 


107 


4.  They  however  extended  their  settlements,  until  they  claimed  the 
territories  from  Cape  Henlopen  to  the  falls  of  the  Delaware,  near  the 
present  city  of  Trenton,  in  New  Jersey ; this  colony  bearing  the  name 
of  New  Sweden.  In  1661,  Governor  Stuy'-ves-ant,  of  New  Netherlands, 
built  Fort  Oasimir,  where  the  present  town  of  New  Castle  stands, 
within  five  miles  of  the  Swedish  settlement  of  Christiana. 

5.  Of  this  the  Swedes  obtained  possession  by  stratagem.  Greatly 
excited  at  the  outrage,  the  home  government  ordered  Stuyvesant  to 
reduce  the  Swedes  to  submission.  In  1655,  he  sailed  with  six  hundred 
men  from  New  Amsterdam,  and  speedily  subdued  the  colony,  as  we 
have  related  in  the  history  of  New  York.  The  inhabitants  were 
kindly  treated,  hut  some  of  them  removed  to  Maryland  and  Virginia ; 
the  governor.  Rising,  was  sent  to  Europe,  and  the  colony  was  annexed 
to  New  Netherlands. 

6.  From  this  period  the  history  of  Delaware  presents  few  topics  of 
great  interest.*  Its  territory  was  included  in  the  grant  to  William 
Penn,  in  1681,  and  formed  part  of  Pennsylvania  till  1691,  when  it  was 
allowed  a separate  deputy -governor.  It  was  reunited  to  Pennsylvania 
in  1692,  but  in  1703  it  was  again  separated,  having  its  own  legislation, 
though  the  same  governor  presided  over  both  colonies.  The  ancient 
forms  of  the  government  were  preserved  through  the  revolutionary 
struggle. 


CHAPTEK  XLYI. 

Settlement  of  the  Carolinas. 

1.  The  coast  of  Carolina  was  explored  in  1563,  and  named  after 
Charles  IX.,  of  France.  The  first  attempt  at  a settlement,  and  indeed 
one  of  the  first  ever  made  within  the  present  limits  of  the  United 
States,  was  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  in  1585,  twenty -two  years  before 
Jamestown  was  settled,  and  thirty-five  years  before  the  landing  at 
Plymouth. 

2.  The  fleet  which  brought  out  the  first  colonists  to  Carolina,  anchor- 
ed off  the  island  of  Wocokon,  the  southern  point  of  the  chain  of  islands 
and  sand-bars  which  form  Oc'-ra-coke  inlet.  From  this  island,  the 


4 How  did  the  Swedes  extend  their  settlements  ? What  was  the  name  of  the  colony  ? 
The  extent  of  territory  claimed  by  the  Swedes  ? What  fort  was  built  by  Giovernor  Stuy- 
vesant in  1681  ? 5.  What  of  the  Swedes  in  respect  to  Fort  Casimir  ? What  was  done  by 
Stuyvesant?  6.  What  of  Delaware  and  the  grant  to  William  Penn?  What  took  place  in 
1691  ? In  1692  ? In  1792  ? How  long  was  the  ancient  form  of  government  preserved  ? 
Chap.  XLVI. — 1.  What  of  the  coast  of  Carolina  ? First  attempt  at  a settlement? 


108 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


chief  officer  of  the  fleet  went  to  the  continent  and,  during  an  absence 
of  eight  days,  discovered  several  Indian  towns. 

8.  He  next  sailed  to  the  Roanoke  River,  where  he  landed  with  one 
hundred  and  seven  persons,  designed  to  form  a colony.  After  remain- 
ing with  them  a short  time,  he  left  them  under  the  care  of  a Mr.  Lane, 
and  returned  to  England. 

4.  The  selection  of  a governor  for  the  colonists  could  not  have  been 
more  unfortunate.  After  remaining  at  the  spot  about  a year,  and  ac- 
complishing nothing,  except  to  manifest  a high  degree  of  selfishness 
and  shake  the  faith  of  the  natives  in  all  white  men,  they  were  taken 
back  to  England  by  Sir  Francis  Drake,  who  touched  there  with  a fleet* 

5.  Ho  further  attempts  were  made  to  settle  the  country  till  some 
time  between  the  years  1G40  and  1650,  when  a few  planters  from  Vir- 
ginia, under  the  direction  of  Governor  Berkley,  of  that  province,  begati 
a colony  in  Ar-be-maiie  county,  within  the  present  limits  of  Horth 
Carolina. 

6.  In  1663,  the  whole  country,  from  the  80th  to  the  86th  degree  of 
north  latitude,  and — in  the  extravagant  language  of  those  times — from 
the  Atlantic  to  the  South  Sea,  was  conveyed  by  Charles  II.  to  Lord 
Clarendon  and  his  associates,  with  full  poAver  to  settle  and  govern  it. 
In  1665,  a settlement  was  made  near  the  mouth  of  the  Clarendon  or 
Cape  Fear  River,  by  emigrants  from  Bar-ba'-does ; and  Sir  James 
Yeo'-mans  Avas  appointed  governor. 

A A settlement  was  made,  in  16 JO,  at  Port  Royal,  in  South  Caro- 
lina, by  Governor  Sayle;  and,  in  1671,  a few  persons  located  them- 
selves at  Old  Charleston,  as  it  was  called,  on  Ashley  River.  In  1680, 
the  latter  spot  was  abandoned,  and  the  foundation  laid  of  the  present 
city  of  Charleston,  several  miles  nearer  the  sea. 

8.  Up  to  that  year,  1671,  all  the  various  settlements  which  have  here 
been  mentioned  went  under  the  general  name  of  Carolina.  At  this 
time,  ho Av ever,  a division  took  place,  and  the  northern  and  southern 
provinces  began  to  be  knoAvn  by  the  distinctive  names  of  Horth  and 
South  Carolina. 

9.  It  Avas  not  far  from  this  time  that,  during  the  administration  of 
Governor  Sayle,  an  attempt  was  made  in  South  Carolina  to  reduce  to 
practice  the  notions,  respecting  government,  of  John  Locke,  the  cele- 
brated philosopher.  But  the  plan  was  opposed  Avith  a degree  of  bit- 
terness Avhich  led  to  its  speedy  abandonment,  and  a return  to  the  old 
form  of  government. 


2.  What  of  the  fleet  ? 8.  What  of  the  landing  of  the  colony  ?'  4.  The  governor?  Sir 
Francis  Drake?  5.  What  of  further  attempts?  6.  Lord  Clarendon  ? What  settlement  was 
made?  7.  Port  Royal?  Charleston?  8.  Name  of  the  colony ? Division  of  North  and 
South  Carolina  ? 9.  What  of  Locke? 


WAR  WITH  KINO  PHILIP. 


109 


CHAPTEK  XLVII. 


History  of  New  England  continued, — The  War  with  King 

Philip, 


I.  We  have  elsewhere  seen  that  Massasoit,  the  sachem  of  the  Wam- 

panoags,  remain- 
ed a true  friend 
of  the  English  to 
the  time  of  his 
death.  He  left 
two  sons,  whom, 
in  his  zeal  to 
show  his  affec* 
tion  for  the  Eng- 
lish, he  had  called 
Alexander  and 
Philip.  The  early 
death  of  Alexan- 
der left  the  king- 
dom to  Philip. 

2.  This  chief 
resided  at  Mount 

Hope,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  present  tovvm  of  Brisrol,  K.  1.  Though 
at  first  friendly  to  the  whites,  he  soon  proved  to  he  their'  most  power- 
ful and  deadly  foe.  Ho  doubt  he  had  reasons  for  his  conduct  which 
satisfied  himself;  for  the  English,  in  their  dealings,  were  not  always 
either  prudent  or  just.  Bancroft  says  he  was  ‘‘hurried  into  his  re- 
bellion.” 

3.  A conspiracy  appears  to  have  been  got  up  among  the  Indians, 
about  the  year  1675,  of  which  Philip  was  supposed  to  be  the  leader, 
to  destroy  the  English,  or  at  least  to  drive  them  out  of  the  country. 
Sas-sa'-mon,  a native  Indian  preacher,  revealed  the  secret,  and  Philip 
murdered  him ; he  then,  perhaps  to  cover  his  own  crimes,  rushed  into 
a war. 

4.  The  first  attack  which  the  Indians  made,  under  Philip,  was  at 
Swan'-zey,  in  Plymouth  colony,  June  24,  1675.  In  the  fear  of  war,  a 
day  of  fasting  and  prayer  had  been  appointed,  and  the  people  were 
going  home  from  church,  when  the  savages  fell  upon  them  and  killed 


PHILIP  EXCITING  THB  INDIANS  TO  WAR. 


Chap.  XLVII. — 1.  What  of  Massasoit  f 2.  Philip  ? 3.  The  conspiracy  ? 4.  The 
attack  of  the  Indians  ? 

10 


110 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


eight  or  nine  of  their  number.  They  had,  however,  begun  to  rob 
houses  and  kill  cattle  some  time  before. 

5.  Massachusetts,  on  hearing  the  news,  immediately  sent  troops  to 
aid  Plymouth  in  opposing  Philip.  On  the  29th  of  June,  the  united 
forces  made  an  attack  on  the  chief,  and  killed  six  of  his  men,  and  com- 
pelled him  to  flee  to  a swamp  in  the  present  town  of  Tiverton.  Here 
for  some  time  he  was  able  to  defend  himself,  and  even  to  gain  some 
advantages  over  his  assailants. 

6.  It  was  at  length  determined  to  surround  the  swamp  and  starve 
out  the  Indians,  as  the  only  method  of  conquering  them ; but  Philip, 
suspecting  the  design,  found  means  to  escape  to  the  Hip'-mucks,  a small 
tribe  in  Worcester  county,  and  induce  them  to  join  him.  The  English 
sent  ambassadors  and  troops  to  make  a treaty  with  the  Hipmucks,  but 
these  were  ambushed,  and  eight  of  them  killed  and  as  many  wounded. 

'T.  Those  of  the  colonists  who  escaped,  fled  to  Brookfleld.  The 
Indians  pursued  them,  and  burnt  the  village,  excepting  only  the  bouse 
they  occupied.  To  this  also  they  laid  siege,  and  for  two  days  poured 
their  musket-balls  upon  it,  though  to  little  purpose,  except  to  destroy 
one  man. 

8.  Unable  to  gain  their  point  by  force,  the  Indians  attempted  a 
stratagem.  They  dipped  rags  and  other  combustibles  in  brimstone, 
and,  by  means  of  these  and  other  things,  set  Are  to  the  house,  guard- 
ing the  doors  at  the  same  time,  in  order  to  destroy  any  who  should 
attempt  to  escape.  A sudden  shower  of  rain,  as  if  providentially 
designed  for  this  purpose,  extinguished  the  flames  and  saved  its  in- 
mates. 

9.  It  was  August  14 ; — that  very  day,  and,  according  to  the  histo- 
rians, at  the  critical  moment  when  the  Indians,  seeing  the  Are  extin- 
guished, were  about  to  renew  the  attempt  to  burn  it,  a reinforcement 
of  flfty  men  arrived.  The  Indians  were  dispersed,  and  some  of  them 
slain. 

10.  But  this  did  not  put  an  end  to  hostilities.  In  truth,  the  storm 
of  wai  was  now  merely  gathering.  It  was  the  season  of  harvest,  and 
every  hour  of  time  and  every  sheaf  of  grain  were  needed  to  meet  the 
wants  of  the  coming  winter.  This  period  is  thus  described  by  the 
historian : 

11.  “ The  laborer  in  the  fleld,  the  reapers  as  they  went  forth  to  har- 
vest, men  as  they  went  to  mill,  the  shepherd-boy  among  the  sheep, 
were  shot  down  by  skulking  foes,  whose  approach  was  invisible.  Who 
can  tell  the  heavy  hours  of  woman  ? The  mother,  if  left  alone  in  the 


f;.  What  of  Massachusetts  ? What  did  the  troops  do  ? 6.  Philip  ? 7,  8,  9.  What  of  the 
eolonists  who  fled  to  Brookfleld?  9.  What  happened  August  14 ? 10,  Did  this  end  the 

war  ? 11,12.  Describe  the  state  of  things  ? 


BATTLE  OF  BLOODY  BROOK. 


Ill 


house,  feared  the  tomahawk  for  herself  and  children.  On  the  sudden 
attack,  the  husband  would  fly  with  one  child,  the  wife  with  another, 
and  perhaps  only  one  escape. 

12.  “ The  village  cavalcade  making  its  way  to  meeting,  on  Sundays, 
in  flies  on  horseback,  the  farmer  holding  the  bridle  in  one  hand  and  a 
child  in  the  other,  his  wife  seated  on  a pillion  behind  him — it  may  be 
with  a child  in  her  lap — as  was  the  custom  of  those  days,  could  not 
proceed  safely — bullets  would  come  whizzing  by  them.  The  Indians 
hung  upon  the  skirts  of  the  English  villages  like  the  lightning  upon 
the  edge  of  the  clouds.” 


CHAPTEE  XLVIII. 

Continuation  of  the  History  of  New  England. — Events  of 
the  War  with  Philip. 

1.  Philip,  with  his  warriors  well  armed,  and  the  Nipmucks,  had 
also  powerful  assistance.  He  had  drawn  to  his  alliance  most  of  the 
tribes  throughout  Hew  England,  and  was  now  prosecuting  the  war  with 
new  vigor.  During  the  summer  and  autumn,  Hadley,  Deerfleld,  North- 
ampton, and  Springfleld,  in  the  west,  and  Dover,  Exeter,  Saco,  Scar'- 
hor-ough,  and  Kittery,  in  the  north  and  east,  were  made  to  feel  the 
force  of  his  vengeance. 

2.  The  fate  of  Captain  Lathrop  was  most  melancholy.  With  eighty 
young  men — the  flower  of  Essex  county — he  was  escorting  some  teams, 
with  grain,  from  Deerfleld  to  Hadley.  In  passing  through  a thick 
wood,  soon  after  leaving  Deerfleld,  they  stopped  to  pick  a few  grapes. 
Suddenly  they  were  attacked  by  several  hundred  Indians,  and  seventy 
young  men  were  slain,  with  twenty  of  the  teamsters. 

3.  On  hearing  the  noise  of  the  guns,  troops  were  sent  from  Deerfleld 
to  their  assistance,  who  arrived  in  time  to  kill  or  wound  one  hundred 
and  fifty  of  the  Indians,  and  disperse  the  rest,  with  the  loss  of  only  two 
men.  The  battle-ground,  long  known  by  the  name  of  Bloody  Brook, 
was  near  the  present  village  of  Muddy  Brook. 

4.  Another  anecdote  of  this  war  is  curious.  Gofle,  one  of  the 
judges  who  had  doomed  Charles  I.  to  death,  was  in  Hew  England  at 
this  time,  and  one  of  his  hiding-places  was  at  Hadley.  The  Indians 
attacked  that  y)lace  in  September.  On  their  arrival,  Gofle,  in  a strange 


Chap.  XLYIII. — 1.  What  of  Philip  and  his  allies?  2.  Captain  Lathrop  an^l  his  party? 
What  of  the  troops  from  Deerfield?  4.  What  of  Goffe? 


112 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


dress,  suddenly  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  the  citizens,  drove  off 
the  Indians,  and  disappeared.  The  wondering  inhabitants  believed,  for 
some  time,  that  an  angel  had  been  sent  to  their  relief. 

5.  The  N’arraganset  Indians,  though  they  would  not  openly  fight  the 
English,  were  known  to  afford  shelter  to  their  enemies,  and  thus  act 
against  them  indirectly.  It  was  therefore  resolved  to  wage  war  against 
them ; and  the  united  colonies  sent  out  a body  of  eighteen  hundred 
men,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  friendly  Indians,  to  attack  them  in 
their  quarters,  amid  the  deep  snows  of  December. 

6.  They  found  them  in  a great  swamp  in  Kingston,  Ehode  Island. 
On  a rising  ground,  in  the  swamp,  was  their  fort.  After  a severe 
battle  of  three  hours,  the  fort  was  taken  and  burnt.  The  Indians  lost 
about  one  thousand  of  their  number,  including  women  and  children, 
and  five  or  six  hundred  wigwams.  Only  a few  of  them  escaped.  The 
English  had  about  two  hundred  and  thirty  killed  and  wounded. 

7.  The  few  remaining  Indians  were  greatly  distressed  by  this  defeat. 
Without  food  or  shelter,  many  perished ; and,  of  those  who  survived, 
the  greater  number  were  compelled  to  subsist  on  any  thing  they  could 
find — acorns,  groundnuts,  horse-flesh,  etc.  But  they  would  not  yield. 

We  will  fight,”  said  Oa-non'-chet,  their  chief,  ‘Ho  the  last  man.” 

8.  Kelics  of  the  Karraganset  fight,  to  which  we  have  alluded,  were 
to  be  seen  within  the  memory  of  some  persons  now  living.  It  is  not 
long  since  that  an  Indian  pipe  and  various  Indian  utensils  were  dug  up 
on  the  battle-ground.  NTor  is  it  yet  half  a century  since  charred  corn 
was  found,  having  lain  there  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  years. 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 

Various  Events  of  the  War, — Death  of  Philip, 

1.  We  have  seen  that  the  Indians  were  greatly  reduced,  yet  they 
were  not  destroyed.  Philip  had  at  first  fled  to  the  far  west,  to  induce  the 
Mohawks  to  join  him,  but  his  countrymen  of  the  various  tribes  in  Kew 
England  had  been  roused  to  the  work  of  burning  and  murdering ; and, 
ill  the  spring  of  1676,  Philip  returned  and  joined  them. 

2.  The  depredations  of  the  savages,  during  the  winter  of  1675  and 
the  spring  of  1676,  were  almost  innumerable.  Among  those  who 
were  murdered  were  Captains  Wadsworth  and  Pierce,  with  fifty  men 
each.  The  latter  had  also  twenty  friendly  Indians,  who  were  killed. 


5,6.  What  of  the  Narragansets?  7.  What  of  the  yurviving  Indians ? 8.  Relics? 
Chap.  XLIX. — 1.  What  of  the  Indians  ? Philip?  Depredations  of  the  Indians  in  the 
winter  of  1675  ? What  towns  were  burned  ? 


DEATH  OF  PHILIP. 


113 


Among  the  towns  burnt,  either  partly  or  wholly,  were  Lancaster,  Med- 
field,  Weymouth,  Groton,  Springfield,  Sudbury,  and  Marlborough  in 
Massachusetts,  and  Providence  and  Warwick  in  Khode  Island. 

3.  Philip,  on  his  return  from  the  west,  attempted  to  hide  himself 
near  Mount  Hope.  Concealment,  however,  was  impossible.  All  Hew 
England  was  in  arms  against  him,  as  he  was  in  arms  against  all  Hew 
England.  Even  his  own  followers — perhaps  to  make  better  terms  for 
themselves  with  the  English — began  to  plot  against  him. 

4.  One  cannot  help  pitying  the  poor  man ; for,  though  a savage,  he 
had  a soul.  He  could,  perhaps,  have  borne  the  mere  destruction  of  his 
nation,  but  he  met  with  a loss,  soon  after  his  return,  which  affected 
him  more  than  any  thing  else,  and  severed  the  last  ties  which  bound 
him  to  the  land  of  his  fathers. 

5.  The  loss  referred  to  was  that  of  his  wife  and  only  son,  then  a 
jnere  boy,  but  the  king,  in  prospect,  of  the  ancient  tribe  of  the  Wam- 
panoags.  The  mother  and  the  child  were  taken  prisoners  by  the  Eng- 
lish. The  youth  was  transported  to  Bermuda,  and  sold  as  a slave. 
‘‘My  heart  breaks,”  said  the  despairing  chief,  when  he  heard  this; 
“now  I am  ready  to  die.” 

6.  Hor  did  he  long  survive.  His  hiding-place  in  the  swamp  was  soon 
found  out,  and  Captain  Church,  with  a body  of  troops,  was  sent  against 
him.  On  his  arrival  at  the  swamp  where  Philip  was  concealed,  he 
placed  his  men  around  it  in  such  a way  that  he  might  be  discovered 
should  he  try  to  escape.  They  then  commenced  firing. 

7.  The  soldiers  had  scarcely  begun  the  attack  when  Philip  seized  his 
gun  and  attempted  to  escape ; but  in  doing*  so  he  ran  toward  an  Eng- 
lish soldier  and  an  Indian  acting  with  his  enemies.  The  Englishman 
snapped  his  gun,  but  it  missed  fire.  The  Indian  then  fired,  and  Philip 
received  the  contents  of  the  gun  in  his  heart. 

8.  The  war  continued  for  a time  in  the  province  of  Maine,  but  at 
length  it  ceased.  The  chiefs  came  and  submitted  themselves  to  the 
English,  and  a permanent  treaty  was  concluded.  The  war,  however, 
had  been  a terrible  one  for  feeble  colonies  to  sustain.  They  lost  at 
least  six  hundred  men,  six  hundred  dwelling-houses,  and  from  twelve 
to  twenty  villages.  The  Tvhole  of  Hew  England  scarcely  contained,  at 
the  time,  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  white  inhabitants,  or 
twenty-five  thousand  fighting  men. 


3.  What  of  Philip  after  his  return  from  the  west  ? 4.  What  feelings  are  excited  for 
Philip?  5.  Wife  and  child  of  Philip?  6,7.  Death  of  Philip?  8 The  war?  Whit© 
population  in  New  England  at  this  time  ? 

10* 


114 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


CHAPTEE  L. 

Return  to  the  History  of  Virginia, — Bacon^s  Rehellion, 

1.  Betweej^  the  years  1624  and  1639  serious  diflSculties  had  arisen 
among  the  colonists  in  Virginia  about  their  government.  The  king 
of  England  had  taken  away  their  charter,  and  was  ruling  them  in  his 
own  way,  and  by  means  of  such  governors  as  he  was  pleased  to  ap- 
point. In  one  instance,  so  much  dissatisfaction  existed  with  regard  to 
the  royal  governor,  that  the  people  sent  him  home  to  England.  The 
king,  however,  sent  him  back. 

2.  In  1639,  Governor  Berkley  was  appointed  in  his  stead,  and  the 
people  were,  once  more,  permitted  to  choose  their  representatives. 
Grateful  for  the  privilege,  they  remained  attached  to  the  cause  of  the 
king,  even  after  Cromwell  had  taken  the  reins  of  government.  For 
this  the  parliament  was  olfended,  and  Governor  Berkley  was  removed ; 
at  the  death  of  Cromwell,  he  was,  however,  restored  to  them. 

3.  But  by  this  time,  either  he  or  the  Virginians  were  somewhat 
changed.  They  grew  dissatisfied  with  his  conduct,  and  sent  in  peti- 
tions to  the  crown  against  him ; but  these  were  disregarded.  At  length, 
in  1676,  the  year  of  King  Philip’s  death,  as  just  related,  the  difficulties 
which  existed  ripened  into  an  open  rebellion. 

4.  Kathaniel  Bacon,  a bold,  enterprising,  eloquent,  but  ambitious 
young  man,  a member  of  the  governor’s  council,  was  at  the  head  of 
the  rebel  party.  The  colony  had  just  engaged  in  a war  with  the  Sus- 
que-han'-na  Indians.  Bacon  demanded  of  the  governor  a commission 
in  the  army,  but  being  refused,  a contention  ensued  between  them, 
which  ended  in  Bacon’s  suspension  from  the  council. 

5.  He  was,  however,  soon  afterward  restored  to  his  office,  upon 
which  he  renewed  his  request  for  a commission ; but,  being  again  re- 
fused,  he  collected  a band  of  six  hundred  men,  and  marched  at  once  to 
Jamestown.  The  General  Assembly  was  in  session,  and,  being  un- 
armed, was  forced  to  submit  to  his  terms,  and  give  him  a commission. 

6.  But  he  was  no  sooner  gone  than  the  governor  denounced  him  as 
a rebel ; upon  which,  instead  of  marching  against  the  Susquehanna 
Indians,  according  to  the  intention  of  the  commission,  he  returned  in 
great  \^rath  to  Jamestown.  The  aged  governor  fled  to  the  eastern 
shore,  and,  having  collected  a small  force,  recrossed  the  bay  to  oppose 
him. 


Chap.  L. — 1.  What  of  the  government  of  Virginia  between  1624  and  1639?  2.  What 
occurred  in  1639?  3.  What  happened  in  1676?  4,5,6.  What  of  Nathaniel  Bacon  ? 


114 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  L. 


Beturn  to  the  History  of  Virginia, — Bacon^s  Bthdlion.  ^ 


1.  Between  the  years  1624  and  1639  serious  difficulties  had  arisehl 
among  the  colonists  in  Virginia  about  tlieir  government.  The  king! 
of  England  had  taken  away  their  charter,  and  was  ruling  them  in  his| 
own  way,  and  by  means  of  such  governors  as  he  was  pleased  to  ap-J 
point.  In  one  instance,  so  much  dissatisfaction  existed  with  regard  to^ 
the  royal  governor,  that  the  people  sent  him  home  to  England.  Th^ 
king,  however,  sent  liim  back.*  . 

2.  .In  1639,  Governor  Berkley  was  appointed  in  his  stead,  and  thej 
people  were,  once  more,  permitted  to  choose  their  representatives,^ 
Grateful  for  the  privilege,  they  remained  attached  to  tlie  cause  of  thei 


king,  even  after  Cromwell  liad  taken  the  reins  of  government.  EorJ 


this  the  parliament  was  offended,  and  Governor  Berkley  was  removed;! 
at  the  death  of  Cromwell,  he  was,  however,  restored  to  them. 

3.  But  by  this  time,  either  he  or  the  Virginians  were  somewhatj 
changed.  They  grew  dissatisfied  with  his  conduct,  and  sent  in  petirf 


tions  to  the  crown  against  him ; but  these  were  disregarded.  At  length^^ 
in  1676,  the  year  of  King  Philip’s  death,  as  just  related,  the  difficulties^ 


■ 

which  existed  ripened  into  an  open  rebellion.  ^ 

4.  Nathaniel  Bacon,  a bold,  enterprising,  eloquent,  but  ambitious! 
young  man,  a member  of  the  governor’s  council,  was  at  the  head  of| 
the  rebel  party.  The  colony  had  just  engaged  in  a war  with  the  SuS'| 
que-han'-na  Indians.  Bacon  demanded  of  the  governor  a commissionj 
in  the  arm}-,  but  being  refused,  a contention  ensued  between  them,^ 
which  ended  in  Bacon’s  suspension  from  the  council. 

5.  He  was,  however,  soon  afterward  restored  to  his  office,  ‘up®^ 
which  he  renewed  his  request  for  a commission  ; but,  being  again  re^i 
fused,  he  collected  a band  of  six  hundred  men,  and  inarched  at  once 
Jamestown.  The  General  Assembly  was  in  session,  and,  being  ung 
armed,  was  forced  to  submit  to  his  terms,  and  give  him  a commission^ 

6.  But  he  was  no  sooner  gone  than  the  governor  denounced  him 

a rebel ; upon  which,  instead  of  marching  against  the  SusquehauniJ^ 
Indians,  according  to  the  intention  of  the  commission,  he  returned  M 
great  wrath  to  Jamestown.  The  aged  governor  fled  to  the  eastert| 
shore,  and,  having  collected  a small  force,  recrossed  the  bay  to  oppo^j 
him.  ^ 


Chap.  L. — 1.  Wbat  of  the  governinert  of  Virginia  hetween  1024  and  1C39  ? 2. 
occurred  in  1039?  8.  What  hai)j)ened  in  1076?  4,  6,  6.  What  of  Nathaniel  Bacon? 


BACON’S  REBELLION. 


115 


7.  The  colony  was  thus  involved  in  all  the  horrors  of  a civil  war. 
The  rebel  party  burnt  Jamestown,  many  houses  in  the  country  were 
pillaged,  and  whole  districts  laid  waste.  The  wives  of  s.'me  of  the 
governor’s  party  were  even  taken  from  their  homes,  and  carried  to  the 
rebel  camp. 

8.  But,  in  the  midst  of  these  calamities.  Bacon  suddenly  sickened  and 
died.  His  followers,  left  without  a leader,  and  without  a definite  ob- 
; jeet  in  view,  began  to  disperse.  His  generals  surrendered,  and  were 
pardoned.  And  thus  expired  the  flames  of  a war  that  had  already  cost 
the  colony  about  half  a million  of  dollars. 

9.  Governor  Berkley  now  re-entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office. 
But,  though  peace  w’as  restored,  the  progress  of  the  colony  liad  been 
retarded  in  various  ways.  Husbandry,  in  particular,  liad  been  greatly 
neglected,  and  the  people  w’ere  once  more  threatened  with  famine. 
About  this  time  Governor  Berkley  returned  to  England,  and  soon  after 
died.  ■ 

10.  The  colony  had  other  difficulties,  in  the  3^ears  1679  and  1680,  in 
regard  to  raising  a revenue ; and  much  dissatisfaction  prevailed  against 
-Bird  Culpepper,  the  successor  of  Berkley.  The  truth  is,  ideas  of 
iil.Kfrty  and  independence,  which,  a century  later,  resulted  in  open  re- 
Wlhon  against  the  mother  country,  were  beginning  to  germinate,  and 
ti’ready  rendered  the  colonists  impatient  under  the  despotism  of  the 
rt^val  governors  sent  to  rule  over  them. 


• Civil  war?  8.  What  of  Bacon  ? Eflrect  of  his  death?  9.  Governor  Berkley?  lU. 
other  difficulties  arose  in  the  colony  ? 


BACON’S  REBELLION. 


115 


7.  The  colony  was  thus  involved  in  all  the  horrors  of  a civil  war. 
The  rebel  party  burnt  Jamestown,  many  houses  in  the  country  were 
pillaged,  and  whole  districts  laid  waste.  The  wives  of  some  of  the 
governor’s  party  were  even  taken  from  their  homes,  and  carried  to  the 
rebel  camp. 

8.  But,  in  the  midst  of  these  calamities.  Bacon  suddenly  sickened  and 
died.  His  followers,  left  without  a leader,  and  without  a definite  ob- 
ject in  view,  began  to  disperse.  His  generals  surrendered,  and  were 
pardoned.  And  thus  expired  the  fiames  of  a war  that  had  already  cost 
the  colony  about  half  a million  of  dollars. 

9.  Governor  Berkley  now  re-entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office. 
But,  though  peace  was  restored,  the  progress  of  the  colony  had  been 
retarded  in  various  ways.  Husbandry,  in  particular,  had  been  greatly 
neglected,  and  the  people  were  once  more  threatened  with  famine. 
About  this  time  Governor  Berkley  returned  to  England,  and  soon  after 
died. 

10.  The  colony  had  other  difficulties,  in  the  years  1679  and  1680,  in 
regard  to  raising  a revenue ; and  mu^^issatisfaction  prevailed  against 
Lord  Culpepper,  the  successor  ofJHiLley.  The  truth  is,  ideas  of 
liberty  and  independence,  which,  a ^ntury  later,  resulted  in  open  re- 
bellion against  the  mother  country,  were  beginning  to  germinate,  and 
already  rendered  the  colonists  impatient  under  the  despotism  of  the 
royal  governors  sent  to  rule  over  them. 


7,  Civil  war?  8.  What  of  Bacon?  Effect  of  his  death?  9.  Governor  Berkley?  10. 
What  other  difficulties  arose  in  the  colony? 


116 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  LI. 


Heligious  Persecution  in  New  England. 

1.  We  have  seen  that  it  was  persecution  on  account  of  religious 

opinions  which 
drove  the  Puri- 
tans to  seek  a 
home  in  the 
woods  of  New 
England ; hut  we 
have  not  yet 
shown,  except  in 
the  case  of  Roger 
Williams,  that 
- they  brought 
/ with  them  a mea- 
sure of  the  same 
intolerance  from 
which  they  had 
attempted  to  fly. 

2.  The  spirit 

of  persecution  appeared,  in  the  greatest  violence,  in  their  proceedings 
against  the  Friends,  or  Quakers.  These  people  were  the  followers  of 
George  Fox,  who  believed  and  taught  that  we  must  obey  Divine  Light 
within  as  superior  to  all  other  guides,  and  that  we  must  think  lightly 
of  external  forms  and  ceremonies.  He  began  to  spread  his  doctrines 
in  England  in  1647. 

3.  In  1656,  twelve  of  his  followers  appeared  in  Massachusetts.  The 
General  Court,  believing  their  doctrine  to  be  hostile  to  good  order  and 
pure  religion,  banished  them  from  the  colony,  and  passed  laws  to  pre- 
vent the  coming  of  any  more.  The  j)enalty  of  bringing  a Quaker  into 
the  province  was  one  hundred  pounds  sterling,  and  the  Quaker  himself 
was  to  receive  twenty  lashes,  and  be  sentenced  to  hard  labor. 

4.  Still  worse  than  even  this  afterward  happened.  In  1657  it  wasi 
decreed  that  Quakers  coming  into  the  province  should  have  their 
tongues  bored  with  a hot  iron,  and  be  banished.  In  short,  no  sever- 
ities were  deemed  too  great  for  a people  so  heretical. 


A QUAKER  ON  TRIAL. 


Chap.  LI. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Puritans  ? 2.  Whom  did  they  persecute  ? What 
of  George  Fox?  What  wms  done  in  1647?  3.  In  1656?  What  measures  did  the  General 
Court  adopt  against  the  Quakers?  4,  5.  What  laws  were  passed  in  1657? 


RELIGIOUS  PERSECUTION. 


117 


5.  Their  books  even  were  prohibited.  Any  person  who  spread  or 
secreted  such  books  was  to  be  fined  five  pounds.  For  defending  their 
doctrines  in  any  way,  there  was  a fine  of  two  pounds  for  the  first 
offence,  four  for  the  second,  and  confinement  and  banishment  for  the 
third. 

6.  The  persecution  against  the  Quakers  continuing,  the  king  wrote  a 
letter  to  the  governor  of  Massachusetts,  requesting  him  to  send  them 
to  England  for  trial.  The  governor  and  the  court  were  so  far  moved 
to  toleration  by  this  letter,  that  twenty-eight  Quakers,  then  in  prison 
— some  of  them  under  sentence  of  death — were  released,  and  only 
banished  from  the  province. 

7.  But,  though  the  king  was  unwilling  that  the  colonists  should  pro- 
ceed so  violently  against  the  Quakers,  he  suffered  them  to  be  fined  be- 
cause they  would  not  take  oaths,  and,  for  the  third  offence,  to  be 
banished.  Similar  persecutions  also  took  place  in  Virginia,  or  those 
rather  which  were  worse ; for  laws  were  there  made  against  every  sect 
but  the  prevailing  one — the  Episcopal  or  English  church. 

8.  The  truth  is,  that  the  spirit  of  persecution  has  generally  been  in 
the  Tvorld,  and  is  not  confined  to  age,  country,  or  religion.  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son, in  speaking  of  the  persecution  of  the  Quakers  in  Virginia,  ob- 
serves, that  if  no  execution  took  place  there,  as  there  did  in  New  Eng- 
land, “ it  was  not  owing  to  the  moderation  of  the  church  or  spirit  of 
the  legislature.” 

9.  There  seems  to  be  one  exception  to  the  general  truth  of  the  senti- 
ment that  the  spirit  of  persecution  has  always  prevailed.  The  govern- 
ment of  Rhode  Island,  having  passed  an  act  to  outlaw  Quakers  and 
seize  their  estates,  because  they  would  not  bear  arms,  the  people  were 
so  opposed  to  it  that  the  law  could  not  be  carried  into  effect.  For  this, 
however,  the  world  is  probably  indebted  to  Roger  Williams. 

10.  Even  in  Massachusetts  the  persecution  was  carried  so  far  that 
the  colony  lost  many  friends  by  it  even  among  its  own  people.  A law, 
passed  in  1677,  for  apprehending  and  punishing,  by  fine  and  correction, 
every  person  found  at  a Quaker’s  meeting,  had  this  effect.  As  a con- 
sequence, we  hear  little  more  afterward  of  laws  against  the  Quakers. 

11.  It  may  be  true — it  no  doubt  is  true — that  the  heretics,  as  they 
were  called,  were  sometimes  in  fault.  Ann  Hutchinson  certainly  ut- 
tered some  foolish  things ; and  the  Quakers  did  that  which  it  was  not 
wise  for  them  to  do ; and  so,  perhaps,  of  the  Baptists  and  Jesuits.  This, 
however,  did  not  justify  violent  persecutions  against  them. 


6.  What  did  the  king  do  ? What  was  then  done  by  the  governor  and  court  of  Massa- 
chusetts ? 7.  What  persecution  did  the  king  allow  ? 8.  What  can  you  say  of  persecution  ? 
9 What  of  the  government  of  Rhode  Island  ? 10,11.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the 

persecution  of  the  Quakers  in  Massachusetts?  What  may  be  said  of  those  called  heretics? 


118 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


12.  But  persecution  began  in  this  country  even  before  1656,  the 
time  of  proceeding  against  the  Quakers.  John  Wheelwright  was  ban- 
ished, in  1637,  for  preaching  sedition — and  also  Ann  Hutchinson.  The 
An-a-bap'-tists,  or  Baptists,  were  persecuted  in  1644,  though  no  prose- 
cution was  actually  brought  against  them  till  1666.  One  of  the  charges 
against  Eoger  Williams  w'as,  that  he  was  a Baptist. 

13.  In  1647,  moreover,  an  act  was  passed  in  Massachusetts  against 
the  Jesuits.  Again,  in  1700,  the  assembly  of  INew  York  passed  an  act 
against  “ Jes'-u-its  and  Popish  priests,”  which  was  followed  by  a similar 
laAV  in  Massachusetts  the  same  year.  These  were,  accordingly,  com- 
pelled to  leave  those  provinces.  It  required  many  years  of  experience 
and  reflection,  even  in  America,  to  make  the  people  see  the  folly  of 
persecution  on  account  of  religious  opinions. 


CHAPTEE  LII. 

History  of  Pennsylvania,  — William  Penn, — His  Settle- 
ment,— Treaty  with  the  Indians, 

1.  As  we  are  about  to  notice  the  settlement  of  Penn-syl-va'-ni-a,  it 
may  be  well  to  cast  the  eye  over  a map  of  that  state,  and  of  the  con- 
tiguous states  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Delaware,  and  Maryland, — 
these  together  constituting  what  are  called  the  Middle  States^ — and  to 
impress  upon  the  mind  their  forms  and  relative  position. 

2.  In  March,  1681,  William  Penn  received  a grant  of  the  territory 
of  Pennsylvania,  comprising  twenty-six  millions  of  acres,  on  account 
of  a claim  of  his  father  on  the  British  government  for  sixteen  thou- 
sand pounds  sterling — or  less  than  one  third  of  a cent  an  acre.  At 
first  the  grant  interfered  with  prior  grants  to  the  founders  of  Maryland 
and  Virginia,  and  caused  long  and  angry  contentions ; but  they  were 
finally  adjusted. 

3.  The  lands  were  offered  for  sale  in  lots  of  one  thousand  acres  each, 
at  about  a penny  an  acre ; and  many  of  the  persecuted  Quakers  in 
England  were  induced  to  purchase.  In  the  autumn  of  1681,  two  ships, 
with  passengers  acting  under  the  direction  of  Penn,  arrived  in  the 
Delaware,  and  began  a settlement  just  above  the  entrance  of  the 
Schuylkill  [sJcooV-Ull]. 


12.  Who  were  banished  in  1637?  Who  were  persecuted  in  1644?  What  was  disliked  in 
Roger  Williams  ? 13  What  act  was  passed  in  1647  ? What  in  1700  ? 

Chap.  LII. — 1.  Of  what  do  the  Middle  States  consist?  Let  the  teacher  ask  what 
questions  hemay  think  pr'oper  on  the  map  at  page  119.  2.  What  happened  in  1681? 
What  caused  contentions?  3.  At  what  price  were  lots  of  land  sold  in  Pennsylvania? 
What  took  place  in  the  autumn  of  1681  ? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


119 


MAP  OF  THE  MIDDLE  STATES, 


4.  Swedish  settlements,  along  the  western  bank  of  the  Delaware, 
liad  existed,  at  the  arrival  of  the  Quakers,  for  about  fifty  years,  but 
they  had  been  considered  as  belonging  to  New  Jersey ; nor  were  they, 
in  fact,  very  flourishing.  Penn  may,  therefore,  be  justly  considered  as 
the  founder  and  father  of  Pennsylvania. 

5.  With  the  emigrants  who  were  to  occupy  his  lands,  Penn  had 
transmitted  full  inst\;uctions  how  to  proceed.  They  were  early  tc  lay 


4.  What  of  Swedish  settlements  ? How  may  Penn  he  considered  ? 5.  What  instruo 
tions  did  he  give  to  the  emigrants  as  to  the  building  of  a city  ? 


120 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


the  foundation  of  a new  city,  hut,  instead  of  having  it  resemble  the 
crowded  cities  of  the  old  world,  it  was  to  be  so  planted  with  gardens 
around  each  house,  as  to  form  a “greene  country  towne.”  This  was 
the  origin  of  the  beautiful  squares  of  Philadelphia. 

6.  He  also  wrote  to  the  Indians,  at  the  same  time,  assuring  them  of 
his  disposition  to  treat  them  kindly  as  brethren,  and  to  deal  with  them 
justly;  entreating  them,  as  they — -the  whites  and  Indians — were  all 
children  of  the  Great  Spirit,  to  receive  and  treat  his  people  in  the  same 
kind  manner. 

7.  In  October,  1682,  Penn  took  leave  of  his  family  and  came  over  to 
America  himself.  He  was  accompanied  by  a hundred  emigrants ; or, 
according  to  some  authorities,  by  many  more.  These  were  followed 
soon  by  others,  so  that  the  whole  Quaker  population  of  the  province 
amounted  to  two  thousand.  Of  the  Swedes  and  Finns  there  were,  at 
this  time,  about  three  thousand. 

8.  Penn  had  planned  a form  of  government  before  he  set  out,  but 
he  found  it  necessary  to  modify  it  after  his  arrival.  It  provided  for  a 
governor,  a council  of  three,  and  a house  of  delegates  to  be  chosen  by 
the  freemen.  Every  person  was  to  be  a freeman  who  professed  faith 
in  Christ,  and  sustained  a good  moral  character ; and  all  who  believed 
in  one  God  were  to  worship  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  con- 
sciences. 

9.  He  had  not  been  long  in  the  country  before  he  made  an  effort  to 
bring  together  the  Indians  from  various  parts,  to  form  a treaty  of  peace 
and  friendship.  They  met  at  Philadelphia,  and  made  the  treaty  at 
what  Is  now  called  Ken'-sing-ton,  under  a large  elm-tree.  This  treaty, 
unlike  most  Indian  treaties,  was  never  broken.  “Hot  a drop  of  Quaker 
blood  was  ever  shed  by  an  Indian.” 

10.  Penn  was,  for  some  time,  the  governor  of  the  colony;  and, 
under  his  wise  and  excellent  management,  both  of  the  white  people 
and  the  Indians,  the  colony  was  peaceful,  prosperous,  and  happy, 
almost  beyond  example.  It  is  true  it  had  a fine  climate  and  soil,  in 
addition  to  its  peaceable  inhabitants. 

11.  But  Penn  did  something  more  than  merely  to  act  as  the  executive 
officer  of  the  colony.  He  was,  at  once,  governor,  magistrate,  preacher, 
teacher,  and  laborer.  He  was,  in  truth,  all  things  to  all  men,  and  ac- 
ceptable to  all.  He  obeyed  the  golden  rule  of  the  Divine  law,  and 
taught  every  body  else  to  obey  it. 


6.  What  did  Penn  write  to  the  Indians?  7.  What  took  place  in  1682?  How  large  was 
the  Quaker  population  ? What  of  Swedes  and  Finns?  8.  What  can  you  say  of  Penn’s 
form  of  government?  9.  What  of  Penn’s  treaty  with  the  Indians?  Was  the  treaty 
ever  broken?  10.  What  was  the  state  of  the  colony  under  Penn’s  administration? 
11.  What  numerous  ofiices  were  filled  by  Penn  ? What  was  the  rule  of  his  conduct  ? 


TYRANNY  IN  NEW  ENGLAND. 


121 


12.  In  1684,  he  returned  to  England,  leaving  the  colony  in  the  care 
of  five  commissioners.  Here  he  was  imprisoned  several  times  for  dis- 
loyalty, and  the  government  of  Pennsylvania,  in  one  instance,  was 
taken  away  from  him.  But  it  was  afterward  restored  to  him ; and,  in 
1699,  he  came  once  more  to  America. 

13.  Delaware,  as  we  have  seen,  was  at  first  included  in  the  province 
of  Pennsylvania.  But  about  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  speaking, 
it  became  a distinct  colony,  with  its  own  government  and  officers. 
This  was  the  result  of  a new  charter  by  Penn,  in  which  the  rights 
and  limits  of  Pennsylvania  were  distinctly  defined. 

14.  For  more  than  seventy  years  all  things  went  on  prosperously  in 
Pennsylvania,  especially  in  all  its  transactions  with  the  Indians.  It 
was  not  till  the  year  1754,  when  Penn  and  his  pacific  principles  had 
begun  to  be  forgotten,  that  the  colony  became  involved  in  an  Indian 
war. 


CHAPTEE  LIII. 

Affairs  of  New  England, — Governor  Andros  and  the 
Charter  Oak, 

1.  About  the  year  1685,  King  James,  of  England,  in  a spirit  of  des- 
potism, took  away  the  charters  of  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and 
Plymouth,  resolving  to  govern  them  in  his  own  way.  Joseph  Dudley 
was,  by  his  direction,  made  president  of  all  the  provinces  except  Plym- 
outh. He  came  over  early  in  1686.  He  was,  however,  succeeded  the 
next  December  by  Edmond  Andros. 

2.  The  short  administration  of  Dpdley  had  been  comparatively  tol- 
erable ; but  Andros  was  a complete  tyrant.  He  glittered  in  scarlet  and 
lace,  but  these  had  beneath  them  a little  soul.  He  vainly  sought  to 
please  his  king  and  iminortalize  his  own  name,  by  retarding  the  pros- 
perity of  the  English  settlements  in  America. 

3.  He  was  instructed  to  restrain  the  printing-press  as  much  as  he 
could.  Printing  had  been  introduced  in  1639,  and  the  Freeman’s  Oath, 
an  almanac,  and  some  other  things,  had  been  printed.  The  press  had 
been  jealously  watched  all  this  time  by  the  government ; still  it  had 
been  free.  But  Andros  would  not  allow  so  much  as  an  almanac  to  be 
printed  without  his  consent. 


12.  What  happened  to  Penn  in  England  ? When  did  he  return  to  America?  13.  What 
can  you  say  of  Delaware?  When  was  it  separated  from  Pennsylvania?  14.  What  hap^ 
penedinlT54? 

Chap.  LIII. — 1.  What  happened  in  16S5?  Who  succeeded  Joseph  Dudley  as  presi- 
dent? 2.  What  can  you  say  of  Edmond  Andros?  3.  When  was  printing  introduced? 
What  had  been  printed  at  this  time? 

I I 


122 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  The  schools  of  learning,  hitherto  so  well  attended  to,  he  suffered 
to  go  to  decay.  The  usual  support  was  withheld  from  religious  institu- 
tions.  Obstacles  were  thrown  in  the  way  of  freedom  in  civil  elections. 
The  customs  of  the  country  were  made  light  of  and  ridiculed,  and  even 
personal  liberty  was  endangered. 

5.  As  Connecticut  seemed  disinclined  to  give  up  her  charter,  Andros 
attempted  compulsion.  While  the  General  Assembly  was  in  session  at 
Hartford,  in  1687,  he  went  there,  entered  the  hall,  and  demanded  their 
charter.  The  governor  objected  to  giving  it  up,  and  the  discussion  was 
intentionally  continued  till  it  was  quite  dark. 

6.  As  evening  came  on,  and  the  candles  were  lighted,  the  charter 
was  brought  in  and  laid  on  the  table,  as  if  it  was  about  to  be  given  up. 
At  a concerted  signal  every  light  was  extinguished,  and  a guard  of  men 
seized  the  charter,  and,  under  cover  of  the  darkness,  carried  it  to  the 
south  part  of  the  city,  and  hid  it  in  the  hollow  of  an  oak,  which  after- 
ward went  by  the  name  of  the  Charter  Oak.* * 

7.  The  candles  were  relighted,  but  nothing  was  to  be  found  of  the 
charter.  Andros  did  not  give  up  his  purpose,  however.  He  still  in- 
sisted on  holding  the  reins  of  the  government,  and  the  people  sub- 
mitted to  the  haughty  dictator.  Though  they  retained  the  charter, 
Andros  selected  his  councillors,  and  proceeded  to  manage  the  govern- 
ment of  the  colony  in  his  own  way. 


OHAPTEE  LIV. 

The  Revolution  in  England, — Governor  Andros  and  his 
Associates  transjported  to  England, — Events  of  King 
Williamis  War, 

1.  While  Andros  was  pursuing  his  course  of  tyranny,  over  the  col- 
onies, an  unseen  hand  was  preparing  for  their  relief.  What  is  usually 
ealled  the  Kevolution  in  England,  had  taken  place  in  tlie  latter  part  of 
the  year  1688.  King  James  had  fled,  and  William,  Prince  of  Orange, 
had  succeeded  him.  This  gave  great  joy  throughout  England  and 
America. 

2.  In  the  moment  of  exultation,  and  in  remembrance  of  past  abuses, 
the  people  of  Boston  seized  Governor  Andros  and  fifty  of  his  most 

4.  How  were  the  cblonies  affected  by  Andros’  administration  ? 5.  What  means  did  he 
take  to  deprive  Connecticut  of  her  charter  ? 6.  Describe  the  secretion  of  the  charter 
in  the  Oak?  7.  Upon  what  did  Andros  still  insist? 

Chap.  LIV. — 1.  What  had  been  going  on  in  the  mean  time  in  England  ? 2.  What  effect 
had  the  Revolution  in  England  on  the  colonies  of  America? 

* This  celebrated  tree  continued  to  exist  and  to  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  interest- 
ing historical  mementos  of  the  country,  till  the  year  1856,  when  it  fell  to  the  earth. 


KING  WILLIAM’S  WAR. 


123 


active  supporters,  and  sent  them  away  to  England,  to  answer  for  their 
misdeeds.  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  resumed  their  charters,  and 
Massachusetts  obtained  a new  one ; and  thus  they  returned  to  the  old 
order  of  things. 

3.  But,  though  relieved  in  one  way  by  the  Revolution,  they  were 
burdened  by  it  in  another.  King  James  had  fled  to  France,  and  stirred 
up  the  French  to  a war  with  England,  in  which  the  northern  Ameri^ 
can  colonies  were  most  deeply  concerned  ; and,  on  account  of  which 
they  became  in  the  end  very  great  sulferers. 

4.  The  governor  of  Canada,  as  a good  and  loyal  subject  of  the  king 
of  France,  not  only  prepared  to  annoy  the  English  colonies,  but  also 
to  employ  the  Indians  as  his  allies.  Still  worse  than  all  this,  he  not 
only  set  them  to  work,  but  encouraged  them  to  plunder,  burn,  and  put 
to  death,  without  regarding  age  or  sex. 

5.  It  needed  but  little  to  excite  the  Indians  to  deeds  of  cruelty.  Ac- 
cordingly, we  find  that,  on  the  night  of  February  8,  1690,  one  division 
of  the  French  Canadian  and  Indian  army  attacked  Sche-nec'-ta-dy, 
while  the  inhabitants  were  asleep,  with  the  gates  open,  suspecting  no 
danger,  and  completely  depopulated  the  village. 

6.  The  scene  was  one  of  the  most  terrible  which  can  be  imagined. 
In  a very  few  minutes  only  after  the  attack,  the  whole  village,  or  nearly 
the  whole  of  it,  was  in  a blaze.  The  unoifending  citizens,  sick  or  well, 
old  or  young,  male  or  female,  were  dragged  from  their  beds  and  mur- 
dered. Sixty  were  killed,  thirty  made  prisoners,  and  the  rest  fled — 
most  of  them  naked — through  deep  snow  to  Albany.  Of  those  who 
fled,  twenty -five  lost  their  limbs  merely  by  the  cold. 

7.  Another  party  of  the  enemy  fell  upon  the  village  of  Salmon 
Falls,  in  Kew  Hampshire,  which,  after  killing  thirty  of  its  inhabitants, 
they  burned.  Fifty-four  were  carried  into  captivity,  to  suffer  tortures 
more  dreadful  than  death.  And  thus  it  was,  in  a greater  of  less  de- 
gree, all  along  the  northern  frontier  of  the  colonies. 

8.  The  spirit  of  the  colonists  was  roused  by  these  atrocities,  and 
they  were  determined  on  a stern  resistance.  A fleet  of  eight  small 
vessels,  with  seven  or  eight  hundred  men,  under  the  command  of  Sir 
William  Phipps,  was  sent  against  Port  Royal,  in  Kova  Scotia,  which 
surrendered  with  little  or  no  resistance ; and  the  invading  army  took 
possession  of  the  whole  coast  from  Port  Royal  to  Maine. 

9.  Sir  William  Phipps  was  also  to  sail  up  the  St.  Law'-rence,  with 
his  fleets  while  two  thousand  men  from  Kew  York  and  Kew  England 


3 What  of  King  James  ? 4.  What  did  the  government  of  Canada  do  ? 5.  What  did 
the  Indians  do  in  1690?  6.  Describe  the  siilferings  of  the  people.  7.  What  took  place  at 
Salmon  Falls  ? 8,  What  roused  the  spirit  of  the  colonists  ? What  did  Sir  William  Phipps 
do  ? 9.  W hat  other  plans  were  formed  ? 


124 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


were  to  march  by  way  of  Lake  Cham-plain',  and  join  him  before 
Que-bec'.  The  land  forces  arrived  in  October,  but,  owing  to  adverse 
winds  and  other  causes,  the  fleet  did  not  arrive,  and  the  troops  were 
obliged  to  return. 

10.  Instead,  therefore,  of  ending  the  war  by  a heavy  blow  at  Canada, 
it  seems  to  have  been  but  little  more  than  begun.  The  Indians,  on  the 
northern  and  western  frontier,  became  more  and  more  troublesome, 
and  the  French  more  and  more  warlike.  An  attempt  against  them, 
by  Major  Schuyler  [shVJer),  in  1692,  was  little  more  successful  than 
that  of  the  preceding  year. 

11.  At  last  the  war  became  one  of  continual  attack  on  our  frontiers, 
and  of  feeble  attempts  of  the  colonies  at  defence.  Thus  matters  went 
on  about  seven  years,  during  which  period  the  sufferings  of  our  coun- 
trymen were  severe,  almost  beyond  description ; and  their  condition 
seemed  almost  without  hope. 

12.  Tired  themselves  of  this  sort  of  war,  the  French,  in  1697,  sent 
out  a large  fleet,  to  be  aided  by  fifteen  hundred  men  from  Canada,  with 
orders  to  burn  Boston  and  New  Y^ork,  and  ravage  the  country.  The 
fleet  arrived  on  the  coast  too  late  to  meet  the  land  army,  and  thus  the 
colonies  were  saved.  A treaty  of  peace  between  France  and  England 
was  concluded  in  the  month  of  December  following. 


CHAPTEK  LV. 

Story  of  Governor  Fletcher  and  Captain  Wadsworth, 

1.  Dueino  the  progress  of  King  William’s  war,  probably  about  the 
second  year.  Governor  Fletcher,  of  New  York,  having  assumed  the 
right  to  command  the  Connecticut  militia,  and  being  desirous  of  em- 
ploying them  on  the  Canadian  frontier,  sent  orders  to  Hartford  for  that 
purpose. 

2.  Connecticut  and  New  Haven  had  been  united  long  before  this, 
and  the  General  Assembly  met  alternately  at  Hartford  and  New  Haven. 
It  was  now  sitting  at  Hartford.  They  refused  to  obey  the  request  of 
Governor  Fletcher.  At  this  refusal,  the  governor  went  to  Hartford 
himself  to  compel  them  to  obey. 

3.  At  the  time  of  his  arrival  a military  company  had  assembled  for  exer- 


10.  What  of  the  Indians  in  the  North  and  West?  What  took  place  in  1692?  11.  In 
what  state  were  the  colonies  for  seven  years  ? 12.  What  did  the  French  do  in  1697  ? How 
were  the  colonies  saved? 

Chap.  LV. — 1.  What  of  Governor  Fletcher,  of  New  York  ? 2.  What  can  you  say  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  Connecticut?  What  did  the  o-'^^^ernor  do? 


GOV.  FLETCHER  AND  THE  DRUMMERS.  125 

cise  and  review.  When  Governor  Fletcher  rode  up,  Captain  W ads  worth, 

the  senior  officer  of 
the  company,  was 
walking  in  front  of 
his  men,  and  giv- 
ing the  word  of 
, command  in  the 
usual  way,  and  ap- 
peared to  take  no 
notice  of  any  one 
else. 

4.  The  governor 
ordered  his  secre- 
tary to  read  aloud 
a paper,  which  he 
called  his  Commis- 

GOVBRNOR  FLETCHER  AND  CAPTAIN  WADSWORTH.  sion  for  COmiUand' 

ing  the  troops. 

“Beat  the  drums,”  said  Captain  Wadsworth,  as  soon  as  he  perceived 
what  was  coming;  and  forthwith  there  was  such  a rattling  of  half  a 
dozen  drums  that  nothing  else  could  he  heard. 

5.  “Silence!”  said  Governor  Fletcher;  “begin  again  with  the  com- 
mission.” The  secretary  began  again.  “Music!  music!”  said  Wads- 
worth#  The  drummers  understood  their  duty,  and  thumped  and 
pounded  away  at  a terrible  rate,  bass  drums  as  well  as  kettle-drums,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  other  instruments. 

6.  “Silence!  silence!”  cried  the  governor  again.  But  no  sooner 
was  there  a moment  of  silence,  than  Wadsworth,  who  was  a very  stout 
man,  with  keen  eyes  and  fierce-looking  whiskers,  called  out  again  to 
his  musicians  to  drum,  and,  turning  to  Fletcher,  said,  “If  I am  inter- 
rupted again,  I will  make  daylight  shine  through  you.” 

7.  Captain  Wadsworth  was  interrupted  no  more  by  Governor 
Fletcher.  The  latter  soon  made  the  best  of  his  way  back  to  New  York, 
where  he  had  more  authority  than  he  was  soon  likely  to  obtain  over 
the  Connecticut  militia. 


3-6.  Describe  the  reception  of  the  governor  and  secretary.  7.  What  did  Governor 
Fletcher  do  after  his  failure  with  the  militia  ? 

11* 


126 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


CHAPTER  LVI. 

Religion  in  the  Colonies. 


1.  Govet??toe  Fletcher  was  more  successful  in  another  direction 


than  he  had  been 
at  the  east.  The 
king,  in  1693, hav- 
ing taken  the  gov- 
ernment of  Penn- 
sylvania into  his 
own  hand,  Fletch- 
er was  placed  over 
that  colony  as 
well  as  that  of 
'New  York.  Here 
he  met  with  no 
opposition. 


2.  Indeed,  he 
was  not  without 
merit.  For,  to  say 
nothing  at  present 


A CHURCH  IN  EARLY  TIMES,  AND  A PURITAN  PREACHER. 


of  what  he  did  for  the  promotion  of  common  education,  he  was  at 
great  pains  to  introduce  public  worship  into  the  provinces  he  governed, 
especially  New  York.  The  Episcopal  church  was  his  favorite ; and  he 
did  much  to  introduce  Episcopal  ministers  and  build  churches  in  the 
province. 

8.  Religion,  as  we  have  seen,  had  been  introduced  into  most  of  the 
colonies  from  the  very  first.  The  colonies  of  New  England,  however, 
were  greatly  distinguished  for  their  piety,  and  especially  for  a pious 
and  learned  ministry.  As  early  as  1642,  a number  of  ministers  had 
been  sent  for  to  go  to  Virginia.  Others  were  sent  for  in  1698,  to  go  to 
the  West  Indies. 

4.  The  Dutch  Reformed  Church  was  introduced  into  New  York  with 
its  first  settlers.  The  Men'-non-ites  came  to  Pennsylvania  in  1692. 
The  Tunk'-ers,  or  General  Baptists,  arrived  in  1719.  The  Mo-ra'-vi-ans 
came  over  in  1741.  Whitefield  arrived  in  1738,  and,  though  he  did 


Chap.  LYI. — 1.  What  had  the  king  of  England  done  in  1693?  2.  What  can  you  say 
in  favor  of  Governor  Fletcher?  3.  What  of  religion  ? How  were  the  colonies  of  New 
England  distinguished?  What  h^ad  been  done  in  1642?  What  in  1698?  4.  What  church 
was  introduced  into  New  York  by  the  first  settlers?  When  did  the  Mennonites  come 
to  Pennsylvania?  What  of  the  Tunkers?  Moravians?  What  of  Whitefield? 


RELIGION  IN  THE  COLONIES.  127 

not  found  a sect,  he  exerted  much  influence.  The  Shakers  first  reached 
America  in  1774. 

5.  The  progress  and  decline  of  infldelity  will  be  mentioned  in  con- 
nection with  the  history  of  the  country  during  the  revolutionary  war 
and  subsequently  to  that  period.  It  revived  again  soon  after  the  close 
of  the  second  war  with  England,  which  ended  in  1815,  hut  in  other 
and  often  less  odious  forms, 

6.  The  flrst  Wes'-ley-an  Methodist  society  in  the  United  States  was 
formed  in  i7ew  York,  as  late  as  1766,  by  some  Irish  emigrants.  They, 
soon  increased  rapidly ; at  present  their  number  is  very  great.  The 
Methodists  are  not  generally  Calvinists,  though  we  sometimes  hear  of 
Calvinistic  Methodists. 

7.  The  Universalists  naade  their  appearance  about  the  year  1760, 
though  John  Murray,  their  principal  leader,  did  not  arrive  till  1770. 
They  are  now  numerous  in  many  parts  of  the  Union. 

8.  The  flrst  church  at  Boston  was  built  in  the  year  1632,  by  the  two 
congregations  of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  neither  of  the  two  being 
able  to  erect  it  alone.  It  had  mud  walls  and  a thatched  roof,  and  stood 
on  the  south  side  of  State-street. 

9.  In  1642,  from  thirty  to  forty  churches  had  been  erected,  and  a 
greater  number  of  ministers’  houses  built.  The  progress  of  these 
things  was  not  so  great  immedia1?ely  after  this  period.  The  long  and 
tedious  Indian  wars  made  the  people  poor.  In  1700  there  were  only 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty  ministers  in  all  New  England,  In  1760 
they  had  increased  to  five  hundred  and  thirty. 

10.  The  Westminster  Assembly  of  Divines,  in  1642,  sent  an  invita- 
tion to  some  of  the  ministers  in  the  New  England  colonies  to  attend 
their  meeting,  but  they  did  not  -comply.  The  next  year  an  attempt 
was  made  by  the  Assembly  of  Divines  to  establish  the  Presbyterian 
government  in  New  England,  in  place  of  the  Congregational,  but  it 
did  not  succeed. 

11.  The  Cambridge  Platform,  as  it  was  called,  was  adopted  by  the 
churches  in  1648.  The  Saybrook  Confession  of  Faith,  sometimes  called 
the  Saybrook  Platform,  was  adopted  in  Connecticut  in  1708.  These 
were  some  of  the  institutions  of  religion  in  the  colonies,  in  early  times. 
At  a later  date,  sects  of  various  denominations  have  spread  over  the 
country.  The  Eoman  Catholic  religion  has  been  established,  and  is 
now  one  of  the  most  numerous  of  our  religious  societies. 


The  Shakers?  5.  What  of  infidelity  ? 6.  What  was  founded  in  1766?  What  can  you 
say  of  the  Methodists  ? 7.  The  Universalists?  8.  When  was  the  first  church  in  Boston 
built?  Describe  it.  9.  What  had  been  done  in  1642?  What  was  the  increase  of  minis- 
ters from  1700  to  1760  ? 10.  What  was  done  by  the  Westminster  Assembly  ? What  was 
adopted  in  1648  ? What  in  1708?  What  of  other  sects  ? The  Roman  Catholic  religion  ? 


128 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  LYII. 

Education  in  the  Colonies. 

1.  One  of  the  first  acts  passed  by  the  Pennsylvania  assembly,  after 
Governor  Fletcher  came  into  office,  was  an  act  requiring  all  parents 
and  guardians  to  have  their  children  instructed  in  reading  and  writing, 
and  taught  some  useful  trade. 

2.  The  subject  of  education  had  not  been  forgotten  in  the  other 
colonies.  As  early  as  1619,  a college  for  Indian  children  had  been  con- 
templated in  Virginia,  to  be  located  at  Henrico;  and,  in  1621,  measures 
were  taken  to  connect  with  it  a free  school,  and  to  extend  its  benefits 
to  the  children  of  the  settlers.  Ere  long  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
sterling,  with  large  grants  of  land,  had  been  appropriated  to  each 
purpose. 

3.  Haiward  College  at  Cambridge,  in  Massachusetts,  was  founded  in 
1638,  by  Kev.  John  Harvard,  a minister;  and  something  had  been 
done  for  the  encouragement  of  instruction  in  reading  and  writing  in 
the  colony — not  excepting  the  Indian  children.  Catholic  Maryland  had 
even  spread  among  the  people  books  of  devotion,  and  encouraged  the 
formation  of  libraries. 

4.  The  College  of  William  and  Mary,  in  Virginia,  was  founded  in 
1692.  Maryland  passed  laws  in  favor  of  free  schools  in  1694  and  in 
1696.  Yale  College  was  founded  in  1701,  and  the  college  at  Princeton, 
in  Hew  Jersey,  in  1738.  A grammar-school  was  established  in  New 
York  in  1702,  and  a free  school  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  1712. 
An  Indian  charity-schobl,  founded  at  Lebanon,  Connecticut,  about  the 
year  1760,  was,  in  the  year  1770,  removed  to  Hanover,  New  Hamp- 
shire ; and,  by  a large  grant  of  land  and  a charter  of  incorporation, 
became  in  the  end  Dartmouth  College. 

5.  In  1740,  George  Whitefield  laid  the  foundation  of  an  orphan 
house,  a few  miles  from  Savannah,  in  Georgia,  and  afterward  finished 
it  at  great  expense.  It  was  designed  to  be  an  asylum  for  poor  children, 
who  were  to  be  clothed  and  fed,  and  educated  in  religious  knowledge, 
free  of  expense.  The  institution,  however,  did  not  flourish. 

6.  Something  was  early  done  in  the  colonies  for  libraries.  A cori' 
siderable  library  was  given  to  the  free  school  in  Virginia,  by  Kev. 


Chap.  LYII. — I.  What  was  one  of  the  first  acts  of  the  Pennsylvania  Assembly  ? 2 
What  was  done  for  the  cause  of  education  ? 3.  When  was  Harvard  College  founded  f 
What  of  reading  and  writing  ? Maryland  ? 4.  What  college  was  founded  in  1692  ? What 
was  done  in  1694  and  1696?  When  was  Yale  College  founded?  Princeton  College? 
What  was  established  in  1702?  In  1712?  5.  What  of  an  orphan  asylum  ? 


QUEEN  ANNE’S  WAR. 


129 


Thomas  Bangave.  Subscription  libraries  were,  however,  first  set  on 
foot  by  Dr.  Franklin,  in  the  year  1731. 

7.  Since  these  early  days,  schools  and  colleges  have  been  spread  over 
the  Union;  school  and  village  libraries  are  numerous,  and  some  of 
them,  in  the  larger  cities,  are  very  extensive. 


CHAPTEE  LYIII. 

The  War  of  Queen  Anne,  — Capture  of  Port  Royal, — 
Abortive  Expedition  against  Canada, — Indian  Depre' 
dations, 

1.  We  must  now  return  to  the  wars  of  the  colonies.  The  winter 
before  the  close  of  King  William’s  war  in  1697,  had  been  unusually 
severe.  This,  added  to  the  expense  and  losses  of  a long  and  tedious 
conflict,  produced  a state  of  very  great  suffering.  Every  thing,  for 
man  or  beast,  was  scarce  and  dear,  and  constantly  becoming  more  so. 

2.  And  yet  only  five  years  passed  away,  before  another  French  and 
Indian  war  broke  out,  little  less  dreadful  than  the  former.  As  Queen 
Anne  was  then  on  the  throne  of  England,  we  may  call  it  Queen 
Anne''s  war.  It  began  in  1702,  and  continued  till  1713,  a period  of 
eleven  years ; though  for  the  first  four  or  five  years  it  was  chiefly  con- 
fined to  skirmishing  on  the  one  part,  and  to  plundering,  burning,  cap- 
turing, and  murdering  on  the  other. 

3.  But,  in  1707,  another  expedition  was  fitted  out  against  Port  Royal. 
It  consisted  of  one  thousand  men,  and  they  sailed  from  Kantucket. 
Little,  however,  was  accomplished,  except  to  exasperate  the  enemy, 
and  increase  the  suffering  on  our  frontiers.  A land  expedition  against 
Canada,  conducted  by  three  thousand  men,  in  1708,  also  failed. 

4.  But  the  idea  of  reducing  Port  Royal  was  not  yet  abandoned  by 
the  colonists.  After  repeated  applications  to  England  for  help.  Colonel 
Kich'-ol-son  was  sent  over  with  a fleet,  who,  with  the  aid  of  a few 
regiments  of  troops  from  Kew  England,  invaded  and  took  it,  and 
changed  the  name  of  the  place  to  An-nap'-o-lis,  in  honor  of  Queen 
Anne,  who  was  then  on  the  throne. 

5.  Encouraged  by  this  success,  another  attack  was  planned  against 


6.  What  was  done  for  libraries?  What  was  done  in  1731  ? 7.  What  of  schools  and  col- 
leges in  modern  times?  Libraries? 

Chap.  LYIII. — 1.  What  was  the  cause  of  the  sufferings  of  the  colonies  aftej'  King  WiL 
Ham’s  war  in  1697  ? 2.  Describe  the  war  from  1702  till  1718.  8.  What  was  done  b,v  the 
expedition  of  1707?  Of  1708  ? 4.  What  was  done  by  Colonel  Nicholson  ? 

6* 


130 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Canada,  A fleet  came  over  from  England,  but  the  ships  were  without 
provisions  enough  to  last  them  a single  month.  The  colonies  supplied 
them  with  every  necessary — both  provisions  and  men.  Fifteen  ships 
of  war,  forty  transports,  and  six  store-ships,  with  seven  thousand  men, 
soon  sailed  from  Boston. 

6.  But  this  great  armament,  in  proceeding  up  the  Bay  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  was  misdirected  by  its  pilots,  and  dispersed  by  storms.  A 
part  of  the  transports,  with  seventeen  hundred  of  the  men,  were  cast 
away,  and  one  thousand  were  lost.  A land  force  of  four  thousand 
men,  from  Connecticut,  blew  York,  and  New  Jersey,  which  was  to 
cross  the  country  by  way  of  Lake  George,  and  unite  with  them,  hear- 
ing the  disastrous  news,  returned  home  again. 

7.  This  last  failure  was  charged  by  England  on  the  colonies,  but  the 
charge  was  unfounded.  They  had  done  their  part,  and  indeed  much 
more.  They  had  not  only  furnished  most  of  their  own  troops,  at 
their  own  expense,  but  they  had  done  a great  deal  toward  sustaining 
the  forces  sent  over  by  the  mother  country. 

8.  The  French  and  the  Indians,  all  this  while,  continued  their  depre- 
dations. Along  the  extended  frontiers  of  Maine  and  New  Hampshire, 
the  attacks  were  so  frequent  and  the  murders  so  numerous,  that  one 
half  the  whole  body  of  the  militia  were  continually  on  duty. 

9.  The  reader  may  be  anxious  to  know  what  half  the  militia,  at  this 
early  period,  would  amount  to.  Massachusetts,  the  most  thickly-settled 
of  the  colonies,  had  a population,  in  1710,  of  about  eighty  thousand. 
The  population  of  all  the  colonies  was  estimated  at  two  hundred  and 
sixty  thousand.  From  these  data  we  may  conjecture  the  number  of  the 
militia  to  have  been  about  twelve  thousand,  but  we  have  no  exact 
statement  of  the  number. 


5.  What  fleet  sailed  for  Boston  ? 6.  What  became  of  this  great  armament  ? Wha 

of  tl..?  land  force  ? T.  What  had  been  done  by  the  colonies  for  England  ? 8.  What  of  tb« 
and  Indians ? 9.  What  of  the  militia  at  this  early  period ? Population? 


THE  WAR  AT  THE  SOUTH. 


131 


CHAPTER  LIX. 

War  at  the  South. — Unsuccessful  Atteinjpt  against  the 
Spanish  Possessions  in  P^lorida. — The  Apalachian  In- 
dians  subdued. — Arrival  of  the  Palatines. — Indian 
Massacre. 

1.  This  war  of  Queen  Anne  had  been  declared  against  Spain  as  well 
as  France ; and  the  colonies  of  the  south,  from  their  nearness  to  the 
Spanish  settlements  in  that  region,  had  their  full  share  of  its  expenses, 
dangers,  and  sufferings.  Th^y,  too,  had  Indians  on  their  borders,  which 
fact,  of  itself,  describes  their  condition. 

2.  An  expedition  had  been  fitted  out  in  1702  by  Governor  Moore,  of 
the  South  Carolina  settlement,  almost  before  hostilities  had  begun  else- 
where, against  Flor'-i-da.  He  had  sailed,  with  twelve  hundred  colo- 
nists and  Indians,  to  take  St.  Augustine  \am-gus-teeid\  This  place,  if 
taken,  it  was  supposed  would  give  him  the  key  of  the  province,  and 
perhaps  unlock  to  him  treasures  of  gold  and  silver. 

3.  But  he  found  greater  difficulty  in  taking  St.  Augustine  than  had 
been  expected.  The  town  was,  indeed,  soon  conquered,  but  the  fort 
held  out  for  some  time.  For  want  of  a proper  understanding  between 
the  officers  commanding  the  land  and  naval  forces  employed,  he  w^«^s 
at  length  obliged  to  raise  the  siege  and  return. 

4.  This,  to  the  colony,  was  not  only  a failure,  but  worse,  if  possible, 
than  mere  failure.  It  involved  the  infant  settlement  in  an  immense 
debt,  to  get  rid  of  which  they  resorted  to  a paper  currency,  as  Massa- 
chusetts had  already  done  in  circumstances  somewhat  similar,  and  sub- 
jected themselves  to  all  its  evil  consequences. 

5.  A more  successful  expedition  was  made,  soon  after,  against  the 
Ap-a-lach'-i-an  Indians.  They  had  become  quite  hostile  and  trouble- 
some, and  Governor  Moore,  in  order  to  chastise  them,  led  his  troops 
into  the  very  heart  of  their  country,  burned  their  villages  and  towns, 
made  six  or  eight  hundred  of  them  prisoners,  and  reduced  the  rest  to 
submission. 

6.  In  1706,  the  tide  of  war,  in  this  quarter,  became  turned,  and  the 
Spaniards  and  French  invaded  Carolina,  with  a view  to  annex  it  to 
Florida.  Governor  Johnson  had  succeeded  Governor  Moore,  and  was 
a more  efficient  warrior.  By  his  prompt  and  energetic  movements,  the 


Chap.  LIX. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  the  southern  colonies  ? 2.  What  of  Governor 
Moore?  3.  What  success  had  he  in  Florida?  4.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  fail- 
ure of  his  plans  to  the  colony  ? 5.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Apalachian  Indians  ? 6.  What 
took  place  in  1707  ? What  of  Governor  Johnson  ? 


132 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


assailants  were  defeated,  and  the  Carolinas  became  able,  in  their  turn, 
to  attack  their  invaders,  and  to  make  some  captures. 

T.  About  the  year  1710,  a body  of  six  hundred  and  fifty  German 
emigrants  settled  on  the  Koanoke  Kiver,  in  North  Carolina.  They 
were  called  PaU-at-ines.  They  had  been  stripped  of  their  property 
by  the  ravages  of  war  in  Europe,  and  by  the  benevolence  of  their 
countrymen  had  found  their  way  to  America.  Three  thousand  of  the 
same  class  came  to  New  York. 

8.  The  settlers  on  the  Koanoke  were  headed  by  one  Baron  Graf-fen- 
ried,  a Swiss,  who  called  the  place  where  they  settled  New  Berne,  in 
honor  of  his  native  city.  These  colonists  were  among  the  best  and 
most  worthy  citizens  who  liad  as  yet  made  their  appearance  in  the 
United  States. 

9.  But  the  savages,  wdienever  their  vengeance  is  aroused,  do  not  dis- 
criminate very  nicely  between  good  and  bad  citizens.  They  fell  upon 
the  poor  Palatines  in  their  houses,  and  butchered  one  hundred  and 
thirty-seven  of  them  in  a single  night.  The  militia  rallied,  drove  them 
back,  and  kept  them  in  check  till  they  could  send  for  help  to  South 
Carolina. 

10.  Governor  Cra'-ven,  of  the  latter  colony,  soon  dispatched,  for 
their  relief,  a body  of  six  hundred  militia  and  three  hundred  and  seventy 
friendly  Indians,  who,  attacking  the  enemy  with  great  energy,  killed 
eight  hundred,  made  one  hundred  prisoners,  and  pursued  the  rest  to 
their  own  settlements,  where,  after  destroying  some  six  or  seven 
hundred  more  of  them,  and  burning  their  huts,  they  compelled  them 
to  make  peace. 

11.  The  colonies  at  the  north  were  also  relieved  in  March,  1713 ; but 
the  relief  came  from  a distant  quarter.  A peace  was  concluded  between 
France  and  England.  They  were  not,  however,  immediately  delivered 
from  the  depredations  of  the  Indians.  These  continued  their  barbari- 
ties two  years  longer,  and  many  hundreds  of  valuable  lives  were 
sacrificed. 


7.  Who  settled  North  Carolina  about  the  year  1710?  What  were  these  settlers  called? 
What  had  happened  to  them  ? 8.  What  of  the  settlers  on  the  Roanoke  ? What  was 
the  character  of  these  colonists  ? k What  did  the  savages  do?  10.  What  of  Governor 
Craven?  11.  What  took  place  in  the  year  1713?  What  of  the  Indians? 


THE  YAMASEE  WAR. 


133 


CHAPTER  LX. 

The  Yamasee  War. — Great  Indian  League. — Severe  Covr 
Met. — The  Indians  Defeated. 

1.  Theee  was  at  this  time,  at  the  southern  point  of  the  colony  of 
South  Carolina,  a numerous  and  powerful  tribe  of  Indians,  called 
Yam-a-sees'.  These  Indians,  becoming  in  some  way  excited  against 
the  colonists,  devised  a plot  to  destroy  them.  They  had  also  drawn 
into  their  scheme  all  the  other  tribes  of  Indians,  from  Cape  Fear  to 
Florida. 

2.  On  the  15th  of  April,  1715,  about  break  of  day,  they  came  upon 
the  village  of  Po-co-taT-i-go  and  the  plantations  around,  and  murdered, 
in  a very  short  time,  above  ninety  persons.  The  news  soon  reached 
Port  Koyal,  the  nearest  village  of  any  considerable  size,  and  a vessel 
happening  to  be  in  the  harbor,  the  inhabitants  all  went  on  board,  and 
sailed  for  Charleston. 

3.  The  Indians  came  on,  and,  but  for  their  timely  escape,  would,  no 
doubt,  have  massacred  the  whole  of  them.  A few  families  on  scat- 
tered plantations,  who  had  not  time  to  get  on  board  the  vessel,  were 
all  either  killed  or  captured.  The  tribes  in  the  north,  toward  North 
Carolina,  also  commenced  a work  of  destruction  in  that  region. 

4.  So  great  was  the  danger  that  many  began  to  fear  for  the  safety 
of  Charleston.  The  governor  ordered  out  every  man  in  the  city  and 
neighborhood  who  was  able  to  bear  arms,  except  the  slaves,  and  even 
some  of  the  most  trusty  of  tjiese  were  enrolled ; and  the  most  vigor- 
ous efforts  were  made  to  defend  the  place,  and  successfully  prosecute 
the  war. 

5.  Meanwhile,  the  Indians  on  the  northern  frontier  had  gained  some 
advantages  over  the  colonists.  Captain  Barker,  with  a party  of  ninety 
horsemen,  had  been  drawn  into  an  ambush,  and  many  of  his  men  slain. 
Another  party  of  seventy  whites  and  forty  negroes  had  surrendered, 
and  been  afterward  murdered. 

6.  The  alarm  increasing.  Governor  Craven  sent  to  Virginia  for  aid, 
and  even  to  England.  He  put  the  whole  country  under  martial  law, 
and  forbade  any  ships  leaving  the  province.  He  also  ordered  bills  of 
credit  to  be  issued  to  pay  the  troops,  already  amounting  to  twelve 
hundred  men. 


Chap.  LX. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Yaraasees  ? 2.  What  happened  in  the  year 
1715  ? What  was  done  by  the  people  of  Port  Royal?  8.  What  did  the  Indians  do?  4. 
What  was  done  by  the  governor  of  Charleston?  5.  Describe  the  troubles  between  the 
Indians  and  the  whites.  6.  What  was  done  now  by  G-overnor  Craven  ? 

12 


134 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


7.  But  he  did  not  act  merely  upon  the  defensive.  He  marched  slowly 
and  cautiously  against  the  Yamasees.  Arriving  at  a place  on  the  banks 
of  the  Sal-ke-hatch'-ie,  he  attacked  them  in  their  camp.  Here  was 
fought,  from  behind  trees  and  hushes,  one  of  the  most  severe  and  bloody 
battles  which  had  ever  been  w^'aged  in  the  provinces,  and  the  issue 
was  for  a long  time  doubtful. 

8.  The  Indians  were  several  times  repulsed ; but  they  seemed  numer- 
ous as  grasshoppers  in  the  woods,  and  fresh  bodies  of  them  continually 
came  on  to  the  attack.  At  last  the  governor  was  victorious.  He  drove 
them  from  their  camp,  and  pursued  them  across  the  Savannah  River, 
and  slew  great  numbers.  The  few  who  survived  went  to  Florida,  and 
joined  the  Spaniards. 

9.  What  number  of  the  colonial  troops  were  killed  in  this  bloody 
battle,  history  does  not  say.  Four  hundred  were  slain,  in  all,  during 
the  war.  But  the  defeat  of  the  savages  was  decisive.  Several  forts 
were,  indeed,  erected  on  the  frontiers  against  them,  but  they  did  not 
return  to  molest  the  settlers  any  more. 


CHAPTER  LXI. 


American  Pirates.  — Wrech  of  the  Whidah,  — Captain 
Kidd. — Other  Pirates. 

1.  In  the  year  1717,  a remarkable  shipwreck  took  place  on  the  shores 


of  Cape  Cod.  The 
vessel  in  question 
was  the  Whidah, 
a ship  of  twenty- 
three  guns  and 
one  hundred  and 
thirty  men,  com- 
manded by  Samu- 
el Bellamy.  More 
than  one  hundred 
dead  bodies  of  the 
men  floated  on 
shore.  Six  es- 
caped with  their 
lives,  but  were 
afterward  taken 
and  executed. 


WRECK  OF  THE  WHIDAH. 


7, 8.  Describe  the  battle  with  the  Yamasees.  9.  What  was  the  effect  of  these  Indian  wars  ? 
Chap.  LXI. — 1.  What  took  place  in  the  year  1717  in  respect  to  the  Whidah 


AMERICAN  PIRATES. 


135 


2.  The  Whidah  was  a pirate  vessel  which  had  long  been  trouble^ 
some  on  the  coast  of  New  England.  She  had  made  many  captures, 
and  was  greatly  feared,  and  no  one  was  sorry  for  her  loss.  But  she 
was  not  the  only  piratical  vessel  on  the  coast.  The  Atlantic  Ocean 
had  been  infested  with  sea-robbers  for  many  years. 

3.  Among  the  more  distinguished  of  these  lawless  plunderers  of  the 
ocean  was  William  Kidd.  The  people  of  England,  wishing  to  suppress 
piracy,  about  the  year  1696  sent  out  Captain  Kidd  for  this  purpose. 
But  he  turned  pirate  himself,  and  after  infesting  the  seas  three  years, 
he  returned  to  the  eastern  end  of  Long  Island,  and  anchored  in  Gar'- 
den-er’s  Bay. 

4.  Here  and  in  other  places  he  was  said  to  have  buried  great  quan- 
tities of  treasure,  which  he  had  stolen  on  the  ocean.  But  how  many 
of  the  stories  concerning  him  are  true,  and  how  many  fabulous,  is  un- 
certain. Only  twenty  thousand  dollars  of  his  hidden  treasure  were 
ever  found.  The  most  we  know  with  certainty  is,  that  there  was  such 
a pirate  as  Kidd,  and  that  he  was  taken  in  Boston,  in  1699,  sent  to 
England,  tried,  condemned,  and  in  1701  executed. 

5.  In  1700,  the  year  that  Kidd  was  sent  to  England,  the  coast  of 
Carolina  was  greatly  disturbed  by  pirates.  In  a quarrel  among  them- 
selves, nine  were  turned  adrift  in  a longboat,  and,  on  getting  ashore, 
were  taken,  carried  to  Charleston,  tried,  and  seven  of  them  executed. 

6.  Still  the  pirates  continued  to  be  troublesome  along  the  whole 
Atlantic  border.  In  the  West  Indies  their  depredations  had  been 
checked  by  the  English ; but  off  the  coast  of  North  Carolina  they  were 
still  very  numerous,  and  committed  many  acts  of  robbery. 

7.  One  of  these  vessels,  with  thirty  men,  was  taken  and  carried  into 
Charleston,  and  the  crew  tried  and  condemned.  Another  was  taken, 
but  the  pirates  were  all  slain,  except  two,  before  they  would  surrender. 
The  survivors  of  both  vessels  were  executed.  One  historian  says  the 
whole  number  put  to  death  at  this  period  was  forty-two. 

8.  But  the  decisive  blow  against  them  was  not  struck  till  1723.  This 
year  the  Greyhound  man-of-war  took  a crew  of  twenty-five  of  these 
sea-robbers,  and  carried  them  into  Rhode  Island,  where,  upon  trial, 
they  were  found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to  be  executed.  Their  execu- 
tion took  place  at  Newport,  July  19. 


2.  What  injury  had  been  done  by  the  Whidah  ? 3,  4.  Tell  the  story  of  Captain  Kidd. 
When  was  he  executed?  5.  What  happened  in  the  year  1700?  6.  Were  the  pirates 
troublesome  after  the  destruction  of  the  Whidah  ? 7.  What  retribution  fell  upon  the 
pirates?  8.  What  took  place  in  the  year  1723? 


136 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  LXII. 


Settlement  of  Georgia, — Arrival  of  General  Oglethorpe, 
— Attack  upon  St,  Augustine, — Attack  and  Repulse  of 
the  Spaniards, 

1.  In  1732,  the  country  between  the  Savannah  and  the  Al-ta-ma-ha' 

rivers, was  grant- 


ed hy,  George  II. 
to  General  O'-gle- 
thorpe  and  a com- 
pany of  twenty- 
one  others,  as 
trustees  for  the 
establishment  of 
a colony  in  Geor- 
gia, in  America. 
The  first  colony 
which  was  sent 
over  consisted  of 
one  hundred  and 
fourteen  men, 
women  and  chil- 
dren. They  ar- 
rived at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  January,  1733. 

2.  The  people  of  Charleston  received  them  with  great  kindness,  and 
did  all  they  could  to  aid  them  in  getting  forward  to  their  new  resi- 
dence. The  legislature  voted  them  one  hundred  and  four  head  of  cat- 
tle, twenty-five  hogs,  and  twenty  barrels  of  rice.  They  also  furnished 
them  with  a small  body  of  troops  to  protect  them  while  surveying  the 
country  and  building  habitations. 

3.  General  Oglethorpe  and  his  people  sailed  from  Charleston  in  a 
few  days  after  their  arrival,  to  explore  the  country  they  intended  to 
settle  in,  and  landed  near  Yam'-a-craw  Bluff,  on  the  Savannah  River. 
On  this  bluff  General  Oglethorpe  marked  out  a town,  and  called  it 
Savannah ; and,  by  the  9th  of  February,  they  were  ready  to  erect 
buildings. 


JAMES  OGLETHORPE. 


Chap.  LXII. — 1.  What  happened  in  1732?  What  did  the  first  colony  consist  of?  When 
did  it  arrive  at  Charleston  ? 2.  How  was  the  colony  received  ? 8.  On  what  bluff  was  Sa- 
vannah situated  ? 


SETTLEMENT  OF  GEORGIA. 


137 


4.  For  some  time,  however,  the  colony  did  not  flourish.  The  trustees 
had  ordered  that  all  lands  bought  or  held  by  the  settlers  should  go  back 
to  the  original  owner,  in  case  the  settler  had  no  male  heirs.  Kor  were 
they  allowed  to  import  rum,  or  trade  with  the  Indians,  or  make  use 
of  negroes. 

5.  Beneficial  as  a part  of  these  prohibitions  must  undoubtedly  have 
been,  it  is  higlily  probable  that  the  condition  in  regard  to  the  descent 
of  property  did  harm.  The  people  remained  poor,  and  seemed  to  lack 
enterprise.  Other  inducements  were  at  last  held  out  to  settlers,  and 
not  without  success.  In  the  course  of  three  years  fourteen  hundred 
planters  joined  the  colony. 

6.  At  length,  the  passion  for  conquest,  or  at  least  for  power,  began 
to  spring  up.  In  1740,  only  eight  years  after  the  settlement  of  the 
colony,  General  Oglethorpe,  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  forces  of 
South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  at  the  head  of  two  thousand  men,  marched 
to  Florida,  and,  having  taken  a few  small  forts,  besieged  St.  Augus- 
tine ; but,  after  some  time  and  much  loss,  he  was  obliged  to  raise  the 
siege. 

7.  In  1742,  the  Spaniards,  in  their  turn,  invaded  Georgia  with  thirty- 
two  sail  of  vessels  and  three  thousand  men.  They  did  not,  however, 
accomplish  their  object.  General  Oglethorpe  was  too  skilful  for  them. 
To  rid  himself  of  his  invaders,  he  adopted  a stratagem. 

8.  A French  soldier  from  the  Georgian  army  having  deserted  from 
them  and  gone  to  the  Spaniards,  General  Oglethoi  pe  feared  he  would 
inform  them  how  weak  his  forces  were,  and  thus  encourage  them  to 
prosecute  the  war.  To  prevent  this,  he  endeavored  to  make  the 
Spaniards  think  the  deserter  was  a spy.  He,  therefore,  wrote  a letter 
to  him  as  such,  and  bribed  one  of  the  captive  Spaniards,  whom  he  had 
in  his  camp,  to  carry  it. 

9.  In  this  letter  he  had  directed  the  deserter  to  tell  the  Spanish 
general  that  the  Georgian  forces  were  weak  and  feeble,  and  urge  him 
on  to  an  immediate  attack.  But,  if  unsuccessful  in  this,  he  wished 
him,  if  possible,  to  remain  with  the  troops,  where  they  were,  three 
days  longer,  as  he  expected  within  that  time  six  British  ships  of  war, 
and  two  thousand  troops  from  Carolina. 

10.  This  letter,  as  was  intended,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Spanish 
general,  and  the  deserter  was  put  in  irons.  A council  of  war  was 
called,  when  lo ! three  ships  appeared  in  sight.  Believing  them  the 
British  ships  of  war  which  were  expected,  they  burned  the  fortress  and 
fled  in  confusion,  leaving  behind  them  their  cannon  and  stores. 


4.  What  restrictions  were  placed  upon  the  colony  ? 5.  What  was  their  condition  in 
three  years?  6.  What  was  done  in  1740?  7.  What  did  the  Spaniards  do  in  1742?  How 
did  General  Oglethorpe  treat  them  ? 8-10.  Describe  the  stratagem  adopted. 

12* 


138 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


11.  Such  glaring  deception  in  an  officer  and  magistrate,  even  in  time 
of  war,  may  startle  the  conscientious  reader — and  so  it  ought.  But  he 
must  remember  that  almost  all  kinds  of  iniquity  are  tolerated  in  war. 
People  will  do  almost  any  thing  to  save  [themselves  or  their  country. 
Hence  ihe  obvious  and  certain  tendency  of  war  to  immorality. 


CHAPTEE  LXIII. 

George  II? s War. — Capture  of  Louishurg. — DestrucUon 
of  the  French  Fleet. — Peace  of  Aix-la-Chapelle.,  1748. 

1.  By  the  treaty  of  1713,  the  French  had  given  up  Kova  Scotia  and 
Newfoundland  \nu' Great  Britain.  Finding  by  experi- 
ence the  want  of  a fortress  in  this  region,  they  had  built  Lou'-is-hurg 
on  the  island  of  Cape  Breton.  They  had  been  twenty-five  years  at 
work  on  it,  and  had  made  it  so  strong  that  it  was  regarded  as  a sort  of 
Gib-ral'-tar. 

2.  Another  war  having  broken  out  in  1744,  between  Great  Britain 
and  France  and  Spain,  the  New  England  colonies  soon  found  that  the 
French  made  use  of  this  fortress  as  a hiding-place  for  the  privateers 
which  annoyed  or  took  their  fishing  vessels;  they  were,  therefore, 
anxious  to  get  possession  of  it;  and,  in  1745,  having  privately  ob- 
tained the  sanction  of  the  British  ministry,  they  set  themselves  at  work. 

3.  A naval  force  was  first  got  ready  for  sea.  Next,  four  thousand 
three  hundred  and  sixty-six  men  were  raised  from  the  various  colonies, 
and  properly  equipped.  These  forces,  aided  by  Commodore  Warren, 
a British  officer  from  the  West  Indies,  were  soon  before  Louisburg. 
The  French  were  taken  by  surprise,  but  they  made  every  preparation 
to  resist  which  was  in  their  power. 

4.  Louisburg  was  in  two  divisions — ^the  town  and  the  batteries. 
Both,  however,  were  well  fortified.  The  colonists  found  no  great  diffi- 
culty in  landing  and  taking  possession  of  the  batteries;  but  to  get 
possession  of  the  town  was  quite  another  affair.  It  was  the  last  hope 
of  the  French,  and  was,  therefore,  resolutely  defended. 

5.  But  the  assailants,  having  taken  two  months’  provisions  with 
them,  were  determined  on  a siege.  They  had  captured  the  outposts, 
and,  with  them,  many  implements  convenient  in  carrying  on  the 


Chap.  LXIII. — 1.  What  had  the  French  done  by  the  treaty  of  1713?  What  can  you 
say  of  Louisburg?  2.  What  were  the  New  England  colonies  anxious  to  do  ? What  did 
they  do  in  1745  ? 3.  What  forces  attacked  Louisburg?  4.  How  was  Louisburg  divided? 
Was  the  town  well  defended?  5.  What  was  determined  upon ? 


SIEGE  OF  LOUISBURG.  139 

siege ; but  there  was  yet  a great  work  to  do.  “ Rome  was  not  built 
in  a day neither  eould  Louisburg  be  taken  in  a day. 

6.  Between  them  and  the  town  was  a deep  morass  or  swamp,  which 
horses  and  oxen  could  not  pass.  There  had,  indeed,  been  a draw- 
bridge over  it,  but  it  was  now  destroyed.  Over  this  morass  it  took 
them  fourteen  days  and  nights  to  transport  their  cannon.  But  their 
end  was  at  length  gained,  and  a fire  was  opened  upon  the  town. 

7.  The  siege  lasted  forty -nine  days.  Commodore  Warren  was  of 
great  service  to  the  assailants.  He  not  only  bombarded  the  town,  and 
did  much  in  battering  down  the  walls,  but  he  captured  one  seventy- 
four-gun  ship  with  all  its  men  and  stores.  The  town  and  island  sur- 
rendered June  17th. 

8.  The  capture  of  this  important  post  was  no  sooner  known  in  France 
than  a heavy  naval  force  was  dispatched  to  America,  to  retake  it  and 
punish  the  colonies  for  their  insolence.  A fleet  of  forty  ships  of  war, 
fifty-six  transports,  three  thousand  five  hundred  men,  and  forty  thou- 
sand stand  of  arms,  under  the  direction  of  the  Duke  d’An-ville',  an 
excellent  officer,  sailed  early  in  the  spring  of  1746. 

9.  When  the  colonies  heard  of  this  armament,  they  were  alarmed. 
They  had  made  the  attack  on  Louisburg  without  the  public  approbation 
of  the  mother  country ; and,  though  they  had  gained  their  end,  they 
had  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the  French,  and  would  Britain  now 
protect  them  from  their  vengeance  ? 

10.  But  a Power  unseen  had  already  interposed  in  their  behalf.  A 
violent  storm  had  destroyed  some  of  the  vessels  and  injured  others, 
and  one  had  returned  to  France.  Only  two  or  three  of  the  ships,  and 
a few  of  the  transports,  ever  reached  Halifax ; and  the  admiral  and 
vice-admiral  both  died  soon  after  their  arrival.  Though  an  attempt 
was  still  made  to  do  something,  violent  storms  prevented  the  remnant 
of  the  fleet  from  acting  in  concert. 

11.  This  expedition  being  frustrated,  nothing  of  importance  was 
done  except  upon  the  Canadian  frontiers,  where  the  French  and  Indians 
were,  of  course,  troublesome.  But  negotiations  at  last  took  place  be- 
tween England  and  France;  a treaty  of  peace  was  made,  and  the 
colonies  relieved  from  their  anxiety.  This  was  signed  at  Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle  \aix4ah-sTia-pelV'\^  in  October,  1748. 


6.  What  obstacles  were  there  in  the  way  of  the  besiegers  ? 7.  Length  of  the  siege  f 
What  of  Commodore  Warren  ? 3.  What  did  the  French  do  when  they  heard  of  the  cap- 
ture of  Louisburg  ? 9.  Why  were  the  colonists  alarmed  ? 10.  How  were  the  French  forces 
made  harmless  ? 11.  What  was  done  on  the  Canadian  frontiers  ? What  treaty  was  made 
in  1748? 


140 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  LXIY.  ^ 

Progress  of  Agriculture  and  Manufactures  in  the 
Colonies, 

1.  The  colonies  had  been  so  much  involved  in  the  long  French  and- 

Indian  wars,  that 
agriculture  had 
been,  as  yet,  but 
little  attended  to. 
The  forests  were 
indeed  cleared,  and 
a large  amount  of 
produce  was  raised, 
and  not  a little  of 
it  exported  to  the 
West  Indies  and 
England.  Still,  the 
more  enlightened 
modes  of  husban- 
dry were  almost  as 
little  known  at  this 

period  among  the  English  colonies  as  among  the  Dutch. 

2.  Nor  had  the  arts  and  manufactures  made  much  greater  progress, 
and  for  similar  reasons.  But  there  was  another  difficulty  with  regard 
to  manufactures.  The  regulations  and  prohibitions  of  the  mother 
country  continually  came  in  their  way.  It  was  not  Sir  Edmond 
Andros  alone  that  had  sought  to  throw  obstacles  in  their  path.  The 
parliament  of  England  had  done  it  continually. 

3.  In  1732,  for  example,  they  had  passed  an  act  prohibiting  the  ex- 
portation of  American  hats,  as  well  as  limiting  the  number  of  appren- 
tices taken  by  hat-makers.  Again,  in  1750,  an  act  was  passed  to  check 
the  progress  of  the  iron  and  steel  manufacture,  under  a penalty  of  two 
hundred  pounds  sterling. 

4.  Still,  something  had  been  done  both  in  agriculture  and  manu- 
factures. The  introduction  of  tobacco  into  Virginia  had  been  effected, 
and  the  plant  had  been  cultivated  to  a very  great  extent.  Virginia, 
in  1758,  is  said  to  have  exported  seventy  million  pounds.  Eye  was  first 
harvested  in  Massachusetts  in  1633. 


Chap.  LXiy. — 1.  What  of  agriculture?  2.  Arts  and  manufactures?  How  had  the 
mother  country  interfered  with  them  ? 3.  What  act  was  passed  in  1732?  What  in  1760  ? 
4 What  can  be  said  of  tobacco  ? When  was  rye  first  gathered  in  Massachusetts  ? 


AGRICULTURE  AND  MANUFACTURES. 


141 


5.  The  cultivation  of  the  grape,  for  the  manufacture  of  wine,  was 
introduced  into  Virginia  in  1622;  into  South  Carolina  in  1690;  and 
into  Illinois,  by  the  French  settlers,  in  1769.  This  branch  of  industry, 
however,  was  little  pursued  till  a recent  period ; it  has  now  become 
extensive  in  some  of  the  Western  states,  and  is  somewhat  attended  to  in 
the  states  of  New  York  and  Connecticut. 

6.  Silk-making  was  introduced  into  Virginia  quite  early.  In  1669, 
the  legislature  passed  an  act  for  its  encouragement.  It  was  tried  in 
South  Carolina  in  1703.  In  1759,  tho  manufacture  of  silk  had  be- 
come so  common  in  Georgia,  that  ten  thousand  pounds  of  raw  silk 
were  received  in  a single  year  at  Savannah ; and  it  brought  half  a dollar 
more  a pound  in  London  than  any  other  silk.  But  this  culture  en- 
tirely ceased  many  years  ago.  The  production  and  manufacture  of  silk 
were,  however,  prosecuted  in  the  United  States  about  twenty  years 
since  to  some  extent,  but  they  are  now  nearly  abandoned. 

7.  Hemp  and  flax  must  have  been  introduced  into  Maryland  early, 
for  the  legislature  passed  an  act  for  their  encouragement  in  1671.  Hemp 
was  introduced,  in  1701,  into  Massachusetts.  Tea  began  to  be  culti- 
vated in  Georgia  in  1770,  but  it  did  not  thrive  very  well.  Rice  was 
introduced  into  Carolina  in  1695.  The  exports  from  South  Carolina, 
in  1729,  were  two  hundred  and  sixty-four  thousand  four  hundred  and 
eighty-eight  barrels.  Rice  is  now  one  of  the  leading  crops  of  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia. 

8.  Cotton,  the  great  staple  of  the  southern  Atlantic  states, does  not  ap- 
pear to  have  been  cultivated  till  after  the  war — viz.,  in  1788.  In  1791, 
it  flrst  began  to  be  exported.  The  whole  crop  of  the  Southern  states 
then  amounted  to  a few  thousand  pounds ; in  1860  it  exceeded  five 
millions  of  bales,  of  four  hundred  pounds  each,  valued  at  upwards  of 
two  hundred  millions  of  dollars.  The  Indigo  plant  was  brought  to 
South  Carolina  in  1743,  by  Miss  Lucas,  and  its  culture  was  prosecuted 
for  a time.  The  Spanish  potato  was  introduced  into  New  England  in 
1764,  but  the  Irish  kind  was  cultivated  there  much  earlier. 

9.  The  introduction  of  the  art  of  printing  into  the  colonies  has  been 
mentioned.  The  Boston  News  Letter — the  first  newspaper  in  North 
America — was  begun  in  1704,  by  Bartholomew  Green.  During  the 
next  fifty  years  four  more  newspapers  were  established  in  New  Eng- 


5.  When  was  the  grape  first  intr^uced  into  Virginia?  Into  South  Carolina?  Illinois? 
G.  When  was  the  manufacture  m silk  introduced  into  Virginia?  South  Carolina? 
Georgia?  T.  What  of  hemp?  Flax?  What  of  tea?  Rice?  What  of  the  exports  in 
1729  ? 8.  When  was  cotton  first  cultivated  ? What  does  the  present  crop  of  cotton 
amount  to?  When  was  indigo  taken  to  South  Carolina?  What  of  potatoes?  9.  What 
was  the  first  newspaper  printed  in  North  America?  When  begun  ? What  of  other 
newspapers  and  books? 


14^  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

land,  four  in  the  Middle  States,  and  two  at  the  South.  Books,  also, 
began  to  he  published. 

10.  Little  was  it  thought  in  1704,  that  in  1754  there  would  be  ten 
newspapers  in  the  provinces.  Still  less  was  it  thought,  that,  in  1850, 
nearly  a century  later,  the  number  of  newspapers  and  periodicals  in 
the  United  States  would  be  more  than  twenty -five  hundred,  and  their 
annual  circulation  four  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  copies. 


CHAPTEK  LXV. 

Sufferings  of  the  Colonies,— Expenses  of  New  Yorh  and 
New  England  in  the  War  ^1744. — Losses  hy  Sea  and 
Land,- — Prosperity  attendant  upon  Peace. 

1.  It  is  impossible  for  us,  at  the  present  day,  to  understand  the  full 
extent  of  the  losses  and  sufferings  of  the  colonies  at  this  early  period. 
For  when  we  draw  away  a few  thousand  men  from  our  present  popu- 
lation, or  a few  thousand  dollars  from  a national  or  state  treasury,  the 
loss  is  scarcely  perceived  ; but  it  was  far  otherwise  one  hundred  and 
fifty  or  even  one  hundred  years  ago. 

2.  The  expenses  of  blew  England  and  Hew  York  in  the  war  of  1744, 
though  it  hardly  lasted  four  years,  were  estimated  at  over  one  million 
of  pounds  sterling.  Massachusetts  herself  is  said  to  have  expended 
four  hundred  thousand  pounds,  or  two  millions  of  dollars,  in  the  ex- 
pedition against  Louisburg. 

3.  Here,  again,  paper  money  was  issued,  which  seemed  to  answer,  as 
it  usually  does,  a very  good  purpose  for  the  time.  But  it  did  injury  in 
the  end.  Two  or  three  millions  of  it  were  hardly  worth  half  a million 
of  gold  or  silver  at  the  first ; and,  at  last,  twenty  pounds  in  bank 
notes  were  only  worth  about  one  pound  sterling  in  good  money. 

4.  The  emission  of  paper  money,  while  it  seemed  to  afford  relief, 
and,  in  truth,  did  afford  relief  to  particular  individuals  at  the  time,  was 
a loss  to  the  whole  community.  It  divided  the  losses  of  the  war,  it  is 
true,  by  compelling  every  man,  whether  soldier  or  laborer,  who  held 
the  money  at  the  time  of  its  depreciation,  to  bear  his  share. 

5.  Losses  had,  moreover,  been  sustained  by  sea,  as  well  as  by  land, 


10.  What  was  not  thought  in  1T04?  Present  number  of  periodicals  in  the  United 
States  ? Annual  circulation  of  copies  ? 

Chap.  LXY. — 1 W hat  difference  is  there  in  the  state  of  things  between  the  present 
time  and  one  hundred  years  ago?  2.  What  were  the  expenses  of  the  wars  of  New  Eng- 
land and  New  York?  3.  What  was  the  value  of  paper  money?  4.  How  was  the  emis- 
sion of  the  money  hurtful  ? 5.  How  had  losses  been  sustained  ? What  happened  m 1641 
and  1642  ? 


PEACE  AND  PROSPERli'Y. 


143 


through  the  odious  practice  of  privateering.  Massachusetts  soon 
learned  the  art  of  trading,  not  only  at  home,  but  even  with  England 
and  the  West  Indies.  A trade  was  begun  with  the  West  Indies,  as 
early  as  1641,  and  in  1642  the  colony  had  five  ships  already  at  sea. 

6.  E’er  were  the  other  colonies  backward  to  engage  in  commercial 
enterprise.  It  is  mentioned  as  a great  drawback  upon  the  prosperity 
of  the  New  Haven  colony  during  the  first  years  of  its  existence,  espe- 
cially about  the  year  1647,  that  the  trade  with  the  West  Indies  was 
unfortunate,  and  many  vessels  were  lost  at  sea. 

7.  But  we  have  oMier  facts  on  this  subject.  In  1676,  there  were,  in 
the  whole  of  New  England,  thirty  shipwrights.  In  1680,  Connecticut 
had  twenty-four  vessels  engaged  in  trade  with  Boston  and  other 
places.  In  1681,  forty-nine  trading  vessels  entered  the  single  harbor 
of  Ports'-mouth.  And,  in  1731,  Massachusetts  alone  had  six  hundred 
sloops  and  vessels,  with  five  or  six  thousand  men,  engaged  in  the 
fisheries. 

8.  It  is  easy,  then,  to  see  that  the  losses,  by  means  of  privateers, 
during  a war,  to  say  nothing  of  the  depredations  of  pirates,  must  be 
very  great.  But  the  loss  of  property,  by  sea  and  by  land,  was  not  all. 
Multitudes  of  the  best  of  the  citizens,  of  every  age,  especially  in  the 
prime  of  life,  had  fallen  in  the  wars. 

9.  What  the  loss  of  men,  women,  and  children  actually  was,  during 
the  long  French  and  Indian  wars,  is  not  known.  The  loss  of  Massa- 
chusetts, including  Maine  and  New  Hampshire,  between  the  years 
1722  and  1749,^  when  there  was  as  little  war  as  at  any  period  of  twenty- 
seven  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  country^  has  been  supposed  to 
be  fifty  thousand. 

10.  No  wonder  the  colonies  were  glad  to  enjoy,  when  it  came,  the 
blessing  of  pea<}e.  No  wonder  trade  and  commerce  revived,  agricul- 
ture fiourished,  and  the  arts  and  manufactures  made  progress.  What 
a pity  the  peace  between  the  nations  could-  not  have  been  permanent ! 
How  strange  that  the  early  history  of  the  United  States,  like  that  of 
almost  every  nation,  should  be  tarnished  by  a series  of  wars  and  con- 
sequent sufierings! 


6 What  circumstance  was  prejudicial  to  the  New  Haven  colony?  7.  What  ofcom- 
merce  from  1680  to  1731  ? 8 What  losses  were  sustained  during  the  war  ? 9.  What  of 
the  reduction  of  population  ? 10.  What  was  not  surprising?  What  is  the  history  of  al- 

every  nation  ? 


144 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  LXVI, 


Discoveries  m the  West, — The  Mississippi  and  its  branches 
explored  by  Joliet  and  Marquette, — Exploratio7is  of  La 
Salle  and  Father  Hennepin. 

1.  It  is  time  now  to  attend  to  the  history  of  the  Great  West.  The 


travels  of  Fer'- 
di-nand  de  So'’-to 
have  been  men- 
tioned. He  saw 
and  crossed  the 
great  Mississippi; 
but  the  French, 
under  Joliet  and 
Marquette  [mar- 
lcet'\  two  Cana- 
dians, first  ex- 
plored it,  togeth- 
er with  some  of 
its  principal 
branches,  such  as 
the  Fox,  Wis- 
con'-sin,  Ar-kan'- 


LA  SALLE  ON  HIS  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION. 


sas,  and  Illinois.  This  was  a little  before  the  time  of  Philip’s  war. 

2.  A few  years  later,  that  is,  in  1679,  M.  de  La  Salle,  a French 
Canadian  officer,  equipped  a small  vessel  at  the  lower  end  of  Lake 
Erie,  nearly  opposite  where  Buffalo  now  stands,  and,  in  company  with 
Louis  llen'-ne-pin,  a friar,  and  thirty-four  other  persons,  explored  the 
shores  of  several  of  the  northern  lakes,  and,  having  built  a small  fort, 
wintered  near  the  mouth  of  the  Mau-mee'  River. 

3.  The  next  spring  they  set  out  again,  and  travelled  among  the  Il-li- 
nois'  Indians.  Their  travels,  the  year  before,  had  given  them  much 
knowledge  of  the  Indian  character.  They  crossed  the  wilderness  to 
the  Illinois  River,  a journey  of  a few  days,  with  their  canoes  and  pro- 
visions upon  their  shoulders,  and  then  descended  it. 

4.  In  passing  along,  down  the  river,  they  came  to  an  Indian  village 
of  five  hundred  huts,  hut  without  inhabitants.  Going  on  about,  one 
hundred  miles  further,  they  suddenly  found  themselves  in  the  midst 


Chap.  LXVI. — 1.  Where  did  Ferdinand  de  Soto  travel  ? 2.  What  was  done  by  La  Salle 
1679?  8,  d Describe  the  journey  of  La  Salle  and  his  companions  among  the  Indians. 


MAP  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  VALLEY. 


145 


of  a host  of  Indian  warriors,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  who  offered 
them  battle.  The  company  made  signs  of  peace,  however,  and  soon 
quieted  their  fears. 

5.  The  strangers  conducted  in  such  a manner  that  not  only  was  the 
curiosity  of  the  Indians  awakened,  but  their  friendship  secured ; and 


MAP  OF  THE  VALLEY  OP  THE  MISSISSIPPI. 


Note. — In  looking  at  a map  of  the  Western  country,  representing  it  as  it  now  is,  we 
»ee  that  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  region  of  the  G-reat  Lakes  are  occupied  r>y 
several  states  and  territories.  This  whole  region,  comprising  nearly  three-fourths  of  tlie 
present  territory  of  the  United  States,  was  almost  entirely  unsettled  until  about  the  penod 
of  the  Revolutionary  war. 

The  teacher  will  here  put  such  questions  as  he  thinks  proper. 

18 


140 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


our  travellers  concluded  to  remain  among  them  for  a time.  Accord- 
ingly, they  built  a small  fort  and  made  it  their  residence.  But  the  men 
grev  weary  of  the  place,  and  not  only  weary  but  mutinous  against  La 
Salle.  They  even  attempted  to  excite  the  prejudices  of  the  Indians 
against  him. 

6.  La  Saile,  indeed,  found  it  easier  to  regain  the  confidence  of  the 
savages  than  that  of  his  own  men.  They  were  still  dissatisfied,  and  at 
length  laid  a plan  to  destroy  him  and  some  of  his  friends,  by  mixing 
poison  with  their  food.  The  poisoned  food,  in  fact,  made  them  very  ill, 
hut  they  all  recovered. 

7.  Early  in  the  spring  of  1680,  La  Salle  set  out  again  on  his  journey  % 
down  the  river.  On  reaching  its  mouth,  they  sailed  up  the  Mississippi 
almost  to  its  source.  The  voyage  occupied  them  many  months.  On 
the  8th  of  November  he  set  out  for  home. 

8.  In  returning,  however,  they  passed  through  the  country  where 
they  had  seen  the  deserted  Indian  village.  While  in  this  region,  they 
met  with  new  troubles,  on  account  of  the  hostility  of  the  Ir'-o-quois 
tribe  of  Indians,  and  Father  Hennepin  came  near  losing  his  life.  The}i 
escaped,  finally,  without  any  injury. 

9.  In  1683,  La  Salle  sailed  down  the  Illinois  River  the  second  time, 
and  also  down  the  Mississippi.  Here  he  encountered  many  dangers, 
and  had  many  hairbreadth  escapes,  especially  from  the  Natchez  tribe 
of  Indians.  They  reached  the  mouth  of  the  river  on  the  7th  of  April. 
La  Salle  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  white  man  who  ever  navi- 
gated the  Mississippi  for  any  considerable  distance. 

10.  Standing  together  on  the  shore  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  at  the 
end  of  a voyage  of  two  thousand  miles,  in  small  open  boats,  on  an  un- 
known stream,  whose  hanks  were  lined  with  savages,  the  party  united 
in  thanking  God  for  their  preservation,  and  in  singing  a hymn  together, 
after  which  they  prepared  for  themselves  a temporary  shelter. 

11.  On  the  11th  of  April  they  set  out  on  their  return  up  the  river, 
visiting  the  Indians  as  they  passed  along.  They  reached  Michili- 
mackinac  in  the  month  of  September,  soon  after  which  La  Salle  sailed 
for  Quebec,  and  thence  to  France,  to  make  a report  of  his  discoveries 
to  the  king. 

12.  He  returned  once  more  to  America,  hut  not  to  the  north.  He 
undertook  to  explore  the  country  about  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi, 
where,  after  many  curious  adventures  and  not  a few  discoveries,  ho 
\\  as  basely  murdered,  about  the  year  1686,  by  one  of  his  companions. 

t.  What  did  the  travellers  conclude  to  do  ? 6.  What  plan  was  formed  against  La  Salle  ? 

7 What  was  done  in  1680?  8.  What  troubles  did  the  party  of  La  Salle  encounter?  9. 
Whft  took  place  in  1683?  What  is  said  of  La  Salle  ? 19.  What  did  the  travellers  do  on 
the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  ? 11.  When  did  they  return  home  ? 12.  What  was  the 
fate  o:  La  Salle? 


SETTLEMENTS  IN  THE  SOUTH  AND  WEST.  147 


CHAPTEE  LXVII. 


Settlements  in  the  South  and  West  j at  Kaslcashia^  in  Illi- 
nois j in  Louisiana*^  in  Florida*  in  Michigan*  at 
Natchez^  on  the  Mississippi  / on  the  Mobile  Fiver ^ in 
Alabama. — Troubles  between  the  Ohio  Company  and 
the  French  Governor  of  Canada. 


1.  Father  Hennepik  resumed  his  travels  in  the  West  after  La  Salle’s 

death,  hut  made 
no  permanent  set- 
tlements. La  Salle 
and  he  had,  how- 
ever, paved  the 
way  for  other  ex- 
plorers, and  also  for 
fur-traders,  and  ul- 
timately for  emi- 
grants. The  French 
claimed  the  coun- 
try on  both  sides  of 
the  Mississippi,  and 
in  fact  all  the  way 
from  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  to  Canada. 

2.  The  first  permanent  settlement  in  the  great  Mississippi  Valley, 
as  it  is  now  called,  was  at  Kas-kas'-kia,  in  Illinois — perhaps  about  1688 
or  1690;  for  the  year  is  not  exactly  known.  There  were,  indeed, 
military  forts  there  as  early  as  1687 ; and  one  also  where  St.  Louis 
now  stands. 

3.  The  second  known  white  settlement  in  the  South-west — the  first 
in  the  Lou-is-i-an'-a  country — was  made  by  D’I'-her-ville,  of  Canada, 
in  May,  1699,  with  forty  or  fifty  men,  at  the  hay  of  Biloxi.  It  did  not 
flourish,  hut  led  the  way  to  better  things.  Pen-sa-co'-la,  in  Florida, 
was  begun  about  the  same  time.  De-troit',  in  Mich'-i-gan,  was  set- 
tled in  June,  1701.  A settlement  was  made  on  the  Mobile  Kiver,  in 
1702,  and  at  Hew  Or'-leans  in  1717. 


SETTLEMENT  AT  KASKASKIA. 


Chap.  LXYII. — 1.  What  of  Father  Hennepin  ? What  did  the  French  claim  ? 2.  What 
settlement  was  made  at  Kaskaskia?  What  of  St  Louis?  3.  What  settlement  waa 
made  by  DTberville  ? What  settlement  was  made  in  1701  ? In  1702  ? In  1717  ? 


148 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  The  settlements  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  received  a terrible  check 
in  the  year  1729.  The  warlike  tribe  of  Indians  called  the  Natchez, 
having  become  excited  against  the  French,  seized  their  opportunity, 
and  murdered  all  the  settlers  they  could  find.  Of  seven  hundred  or 
more,  scarcely  enough  survived  to  carry  the  tidings  to  New  Orleans. 

5.  But,  instead  of  giving  up  the  country,  the  French  troops  in  New 
Orleans  and  the  vicinity  only  meditated  revenge.  They  pursued  the 
Natchez,  till  they  had  driven  them  to  their  villages  and  forts,  where' 
they  fell  upon  them  and  cut  them  to  pieces.  The  few  who  survived 
were  made  slaves  of,  and  the  tribe  perished. 

6.  From  the  preceding  statement,  it  will  be  perceived  that  the  great 
valley  of  the  Mississippi  was  first  explored  and  settled  by  the  French. 
In  fact,  about  the  year  1730,  they  had  a line  of  forts  and  settlements 
all  the  way  from  New  Orleans  to  Quebec.  They  had  even  ascended 
the  Ohio,  and  built  a fort  where  Pittsburg  now  stands,  which  they 
called  Fort  du  Quesne  [Icane].  The  English  colonists  to  the  east,  along 
the  Atlantic,  were  jealous  of  their  movements,  and  their  jealousy  at 
length  ripened  into  hostility,  as  we  shall  hereafter  see. 

7.  A trading  company,  called  the  Ohio  Company,  was  formed  in  the 
year  1749,  consisting  of  English  and  Virginia  merchants,  whose  ob- 
ject it  was  to  trade  with  the  Indians  for  furs.  They  had  obtained  a 
grant  of  six  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land,  near  the  river  Ohio. 
This,  in  turn,  raised  the  jealousy  of  the  governor  of  Canada,  and  he 
ordered  the  traders  to  be  seized. 

8.  He  also  opened  a line  of  communication  between  Presque  [preslc] 
Isle,  as  it  was  then  called,  on  Lake  Erie,  where  the  town  of  Erie  now 
stands,  and  Fort  du  Quesne,  at  the  head  of  the  Ohio,  and  stationed 
troops  and  built  fortifications  along  this  line.  His  object,  in  short, 
was  to  break  up  the  trade  of  the  Ohio  Company,  and  hold  the  country. 

9.  The  Ohio  Company  complained  of  the  French  to  Governor  Din- 
wid'-die,  of  Virginia,  who  laid  the  subject  before  the  General  Assem- 
bly. They  ordered  a messenger  to  be  sent  to  the  French  commander, 
to  inquire  into  the  cause  of  the  measures  he  had  pursued,  and  to  ask 
that  the  forts  might  be  evacuated  and  the  troops  removed. 


4.  What  took  place  in  1729  ? 5.  W np  was  done  by  the  French  troops  ? 6.  Who  first 
discovered  and  settled  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  ? What  possessions  had  the  French 
in  this  quarter  in  1730?  What  fort  hpd  the  French  built  where  Pittsburg  now  stands? 
What  effect  had  the  French  settlemencs  on  the  English  colonists  ? T What  trading  com- 
I)any  was  formed  in  the  year  1749  ? 8.  What  was  done  by  the  governor  of  Canada?  9. 
What  was  don«  by  the  Ohio  Company  ; The  General  Assembly  of  Yirgiuia? 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


149 


CHAPTEE  LXVin. 

(reorge  Washington  begins  his  public  career. — His  Educa- 
tion and  his  Character  in  youth. — He  is  sent  as  a Mes- 
senger to  the  French  on  the  Ohio. — Anecdotes  of  the 
journey. 


1.  The  messenger  intrusted  with  this  important  errand  was  George 

Washington, 
then  scarcely 
twenty-one  years 
of  age.  He  was 
a Virginian  by 
birth,  and  had  re- 
ceived no  other 
education  than 
that  of  the  fam- 
ily and  the  com- 
mon school.  His 
mind,  as  it  ap- 
pears, had  taken 
quite  a mathe- 
matical turn,  and 
he  had  early  be- 
come a surveyor. 

2.  But  he  was  most  distinguished  for  his  excellent  moral  character. 
In  this  respect  few  young  men  of  his  time  stood  higher.  His  passions 
were  indeed  strong,  hut  he  strove  to  govern  and  subdue  them.  At  the 
age  of  nineteen  he  had  been  made  an  adjutant-general  of  some  troops, 
raised  for  the  defence  of  the  country  against  the  Indians,  and  held  the 
rank  of  major;  hut  he  had  never  been  called  into  service. 

3.  Such  was  the  person  selected  by  Governor  Dinwiddle  for  an  ex- 
pedition at  once  difficult  and  dangerous.  Several  young  men,  to  whom 
the  commission  had  been  offered,  refused  it,  for  want  of  courage  to  en- 
gage in  the  undertaking.  But  Washington  was  horn  to  save  his  country, 
and  not  solely  to  seek  his  own  ease  and  comfort. 

4.  He  set  out  on  his  journey  from  Williamsburg,  the  capital  of  Vir- 
ginia, October  31,  1753.  He  had  with  him  an  Indian  interpreter,  a 
French  interpreter,  a guide,  and  four  other  persons,  two  of  whom  were 


WASHINGTON  GOING  TO  FORT  DU  QUESNE. 


Chap.  LXYIII. — 1.  Give  some  account  of  Washington.  2.  His  character?  3.  How  did 
his  conduct  differ  from  that  of  several  other  young  men  ? 4.  Whom  did  he  take  with  him 
on  his  journey?  From  what  place  did  he  start? 

13* 


150 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Indian  traders;  making,  in  all,  a company  of  eight  men,  with  their 
horses,  tents,  baggage,  and  provisions. 

5.  The  distance  from  Williamsburg  to  the  principal  fort  of  the  French 
was  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  They  were  to  pass  high  and 
rugged  mountains  and  cross  deep  rivers.  Half  the  distance,  moreover, 
was  through  a pathless  wilderness,  where  no  traces  of  civilization  had 
yet  appeared,  and  where,  perhaps,  none  but  savages  and  wild  beast* 
had  ever  trodden. 

6.  But  danger  did  not  move  Washington  where  duty  was  concerned. 
He  pursued  his  way,  and  delivered  his  letter  to  St.  Pierre,  the  French 
commander,  whom  he  found  at  a fort  on  French  Creek,  sixty-five  miles 
north  of  Fort  du  Quesne.  He  obtained  a reply  from  the  French  officer, 
and  returned,  having,  however,  secretly  taken  the  dimensions  of  the 
French  fort,  and  collected  much  useful  information. 

7.  His  mission  did  not  prevent  a war  from  breaking  out,  but  it  was 
at  least  satisfactory  to  him  to  know  that  he  had  done  what  he  could. 
He  received  the  thanks  of  the  governor  and  council  of  Virginia  for 
his  services. 

8.  Some  few  anecdotes  of  this  journey  are  worth  relating.  On  their 
return  homeward,  Washington  was  shot  at  by  a French  Indian,  but, 
though  the  savage  was  not  fifteen  paces  off,  according  to  Washington’s 
own  statement,  and  probably  meant  to  kill  him,  not  the  slightest  in- 
jury was  done  him. 

9.  Again,  as  they  were  obliged  to  cross  the  rivers  on  rafts,  and  in 
such  other  ways  as  they  could',  and  as  it  was  winter,  they  sometimes 
narrowly  escaped  being  drowned.  In  one  instance  they  were  wrecked 
on  an  island,  and  obliged  to  remain  there  all  night;  the  cold,  in  the 
mean  time,  being  so  intense  that  the  hands  and  feet  of  the  guide  were 
frozen. 

10.  In  another  instance,  while  descending  a river  in  a canoe,  perplexed 
by  rocks,  shallows,  drifting  trees  and  currents,  they  came  to  a place 
where  the  ice  had  lodged,  which  made  it  impassable  by  water.  They 
were,  consequently,  obliged  to  land  and  carry  their  canoq  across  a neck 
of  land  for  a quarter  of  a mile  or  more. 


5.  How  far  was  he  to  travel?  What  country  were  they  to  cross?  6.  How  did  Wash- 
ington perform  his  task?  7.  What  of  his  mission?  8-10.  Tell  some  anecdotes  of  the 
journey. 


BATTLE  AT  THE  GREAT  MEADOWS. 


151 


CHAPTEE  LXIX. 

Washington  and  his  hand  of  Virginians  march  against 
the  French, — Battle  at  the  Great  Meadows, 

1.  The  French  continuing  their  aggressions,  the  British  ministry  en- 
couraged  the  colonies,  especially  Virginia,  to  arm  themselves  and  resist 
them  in  the  best  way  they  could.  This  was  in  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1754,  two  years  before  the  British  and  French  came  to  an  open 
rupture,  in  what  has  usually  been  called  the  “French  and  Indian 
war.” 

2.  Virginia  raised  a regiment  of  two  or  three  companies,  of  whom 
Washington  was  made  lieutenant-colonel.  ‘ The  case  was  thought  an 
urgent  one,  and,  as  the  chief  officers  in  command  did  not  arrive,  nor 
any  aid  from  the  other  colonies,  though  it  had  been  promised,  Wash- 
ington, with  his  little  army,  boldly  entered  the  wilderness,  and  marched 
against  the  enemy. 

3.  On  the  28th  of  May,  at  a place  called  the  Red  Stones,  they  came 
up  with  a party  of  French  and  Indians,  whom  they  attacked  and  de- 
feated, killing  ten  or  twelve,  and  taking  twenty-two  prisoners.  From 
the  prisoners,  Washington  learned  that  the  French  forces  on  the  Ohio 
amounted  to  a thousand  regular  troops,  beside  Indians.  Nothing  daunt- 
ed, however,  he  continued  his  march. 

4.  At  a place  called  the  “Great  Meadows,”  he  halted  and  built  a 
fort,  calling  it  Fort  Necessity.  Here  he  waited  a long  time  for  troops 
from  the  other  colonies  ; but  none  came,  except  a company  of  one 
hundred  independents  from  South  Carolina.  The  forces  now  amounted 
to  four  hundred  men. 

. 5.  On  the  3d  of  July,  Washington  received  information  that  the 
whole  body  of  French  and  Indians  were  marching  to  attack  him.  At 
eleven  o’clock  they  arrived,  and  commenced  their  assault.  They  were 
met,  however,  with  a bravery  that  could  hardly  have  been  expected 
from  troops  so  inexperienced. 

6.  The  battle  lasted  from  eleven  in  the  forenoon  to  eight  in  the 
evening.  “Scarcely,  since  the  days  of  Le-on'-i-das  and  his  three  hun- 
dred deathless  Spartans,”  says  Trumbull,  in  his  “Indian  Wars/^  “ had 
the  sun  beheld  its  equal.  With  hideous  whoops  and  yells,  the  enemy 


Chap.  LXIX. — 1.  What  took  place  in  the  year  1754?  How  long  was  this  before  the 
French  and  Indian  war  ? 2.  What  was  done  by  Virginia  ? What  was  done  by  Washing- 
ton ? 8.  What  happened  at  Red  Stones  ? 4.  What  did  Washington  do  at  Great  Meadows? 
5.  What  happened  on  the  3d  of  July  ? 6.  Give  TrumbuH’s  description  of  the  battle. 


152 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


came  on  like  a host  of  tigers.  The  woods  and  rocks  and  tall  tree  tops, 
as  the  Indians  climbed  into  them  to  pour  down  their  bullets  into  the 
fort,  were  in  one  continued  blaze  and  crash  of  fire-arms.” 

7.  Nor  were  the  young  Virginians  idle.  Animated  by  their  chief, 
they  plied  their  rifles  with  so  much  spirit  that  their  little  fort  seemed 
a volcano  in  full  blast,  roaring,  and  discharging  its  thick  sheets  of  liquid 
death.  For  full  nine  hours,  salamander  like,  enveloped  in  smoke  and 
flame,  they  sustained  the  shock,  and  laid  two  hundred  of  the  enemy 
on  the  field. 

8.  Discouraged  by  such  desperate  resistance.  Count  de  YilF-iers,  the 
French  commander,  sent  in  a flag  of  truce,  extolling  their  gallantry, 
and  ofiering  to  treat  with  them  on  the  most  honorable  terms.  They 
were  to  give  up  the  fort,  but  the  troops  were  to  be  permitted  to  march 
away  with  ail  the  honors  of  war,  carrying  with  them  their  stores  and 
baggage.  The  terms  were  accepted,  and,  accordingly,  they  left  the 
fort  early  the  next  morning. 

9.  Although  the  French  commander  had  promised  that  the  Virginia 
troops  should  not  be  molested,  they  had  not  retreated  far,  before  a 
party  of  a hundred  Indians  came  upon  them,  and  robbed  them  of  a 
part  of  their  baggage.  They  soon  arrived,  however,  without  any  fur- 
ther loss  of  life,  at  Williamsburg. 

10.  A vote  of  thanks  was  passed  by  the  legislature  to  Colonel  Wash- 
ington and  his  brave  companions,  and  a pistole  granted  to  each  of  the 
soldiers;  for,  although  baffled  and  defeated  in  their  enterprise,  they 
had  conducted  bravely.  Of  the  three  hundred  Virginians  engaged  in 
che  defence  of  the  fort,  only  twelve  had  been  killed. 


7.  What  of  the  young  Virginians  ? 8.  What  of  Count  de  Yilliers?  9.  What  had  th© 
French  commander  promised?  What  was  done  hy  a party  of  Indians  ? 10,  What  was 
granted  to  Washington  and  his  men?  What  is  a pistole  ? jins.  A Spanish  coin  worth 
about  three  dollars  and  sixty  cents. 


UNION  OF  THE  ENGLISH  COLONIES. 


153 


CHAPTEE  LXX. 

The  Union  of  the  English  Colonies  in  1754. — Attacks  wpon 
the  French  Colonies, — Franklin^  s eminent  services,— 

Braddock^s  Defeat, 


1.  The  French  and  Indians  continuing  their  depredations  on  the 

frontiers  of  the  colonies,  the 
British  ministry,  without  for* 
mally  declaring  war,  en- 
couraged the  colonists  to  de- 
fend themselves,  and  to  units 
for  the  purpose.  They  ac- 
cordingly sent  delegates,  who 
met  at  Albany,  in  1754,  and 
i a plan  of  union  was  adopted, 

1 umike  the  present 

federal  constitution. 

2.  This  plan,  or  system^ 
was  signed  by  the  agents  of 
Massachusetts,  New  Hamp- 
shire, Khode  Island,  NeT^ 
York,  Pennsylvania,  and 
Maryland,  July  4th,  the  very 
day  of  Washington’s  retreat  from  Fort  Necessity.  The  deputies  from 
Connecticut  alone  refused  to  sign  it,  though  some  features  of  the  pla*^ 
were  disliked  by  the  colonial  assemblies  and  the  members  of  the 
councils. 

3.  Early  in  1755,  the  colonies  proceeded  to  attack  the  French  at  four 
different  points — Nova  Scotia,  Crown  Point,  Ni-ag'-a-ra,  and  Ohio 
River.  The  expedition  against  Nova  Scotia,  under  Generals  Monckton 
and  Winslow,  was  completely  successful;  the  whole  country  was  sub- 
dued, with  the  loss. of  only  twenty  men. 

4.  The  expedition  against  Crown  Point,  on  Lake  Cham-plain',  led  by 
General  Johnson  of  New  York,  though  a failure  as  to  its  main  object, 
was  yet  honorable  to  the  officers  and  men  who  w^ere  employed  in  it. 
In  a great  battle  fought  near  Whitehall,  seven  hundred  of  the  French 
were  killed,  and  three  hundred  wounded,  while  the  whole  loss  of  the 
colonies  scarcely  exceeded  two  hundred. 


BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN. 


Chap.  LXX. — 1.  What  was  done  by  the  British  ministry  ? What  plan  was  adopted  by 
the  colonies?  2.  What  agents  agreed  to  this  system?  8.  What  took  place  in  1755? 
4.  What  of  the  expedition  to  Crown  Point  ? 
y* 


154: 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  It  was  at  this  battle  that  a noble  French  officer,  by  the  name  of 
Dieskau,  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  He  was  shot  in  the  leg, 
and,  being  unable  to  retreat,  was  taken  by  an  English  soldier.  Fear 
ing  for  his  safety,  he  was  feeling  for  his  watch  to  give  it  up  to  the 
soldier,  when  the  latter,  supposing  him  to  be  feeling  for  his  pistol,  in- 
flicted a deep  wound  in  his  hips.  He  was  treated  with  great  kindness, 
and  survived  eleven  years. 

6.  The  expedition  against  Niagara,  with  twenty-flve  hundred  men, 
under  Governor  Shirley,  of  Massachusetts,  was  begun  too  late  in  the 
year.  The  troops  proceeded  no  further  than  Os-we'-go,  on  Lake  On- 
ta'-ri-o,  when  the  proposed  attack  was  abandoned.  No  more  attempts 
were  made,  in  this  quarter,  till  after  the  declaration  of  war,  which  took 
place  June  9,  of  the  next  year. 

7.  In  the  operations  against  the  French,  on  the  Ohio,  there  was  not 
only  a want  of  success,  hut  a signal  failure,  in  the  memorable  defeat  of 
General  Braddock,  whom  the  British  had  sent  over  in  February,  with 
two  thousand  men,  to  the  aid  of  the  colonies.  He  was  an  aged  and 
experienced  officer — one  who  not  only  thought  well  of  himself,  but 
was  thought  well  of  by  others. 

8.  No  sooner  had  he  arrived  than  the  Virginian  Assembly  raised  a 
body  of  eight  hundred  men  to  join  him,  and  Washington  agreed  to 
serve  as  his  aide-de-camp.  The  army  marched  without  being  molested 
till  they  were  within  seven  miles  of  Fort  du  Quesne,  now  Pittsburg. 

9.  It  was  on  this  occasion  that  Franklin  rendered  his  country  a most 
important  service.  The  troops  being  in  want  of  a suitable  number  of 
wagons  to  transport  their  baggage,  Franklin,  who  lived  at  Philadel- 
phia, persuaded  the  farmers  of  Pennsylvania  to  let  them  have  both 
wagons  and  horses.  In  the  end,  the  wagons  and  horses  were  lost,  and 
Franklin  was  expected  to  pay  for  them.  The  damage  was  about  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars. 

10.  Franklin  would  have  paid  the  debt  had  he  been  able,  but  he  was 
not.  He  had  advanced  considerable  money  already.  The  owners  of 
the  horses  and  wagons  at  last  began  to  sue  him.  The  government, 
however,  at  length  interposed,  as  they  ought,  and  paid  the  debt. 

11.  But  to  return  to  General  Braddock.  On  the  morning  of  July  9, 
when  within  a few  miles  of  Pittsburg,  a large  party  of  French  and 
Indians  were  discovered  in  ambush.  Washington  now  informed  Gen- 
eral Braddock  what  sort  of  an  enemy  he  had  to  deal  with — an  enemy 
who  would  flght  chiefly  from  behind  hedges  and  rocks  and  trees,  where 
they  could  not  be  easily  seen. 

5.  Tell  the  anecdote  of  the  French  officer.  6.  What  of  the  expedition  against  Niagara? 
T.  What  of  General  Braddock  ? 8,  How  did  Washington  serve  ? 9.  Describe  the  service 
rendered  by  Franklin.  10.  Who  at  last  paid  for  the  wagons  and  horses  ? 11.  What  did 
Washington  tell  General  Braddock? 


BRADDOCK’S  DEFEAT. 


155 


12.  General  Braddock,  who  was  sadly  ignorant  on  the  subject,  in- 
stead of  receiving  the  information  with  gratitude,  was  only  angry,  and 
said  things  had  indeed  come  to  a strange  pass  when  a young  Virginian 
should  presume  to  teach  a British  general  how  to  fight.  He  would  not 
even  grant  the  modest  request  of  Washington  to  let  him  place  himself 
at  the  head  of  the  V irginian  riflemen,  and  fight  the  savages  in  their 
own  way. 

13.  Washington  bit  his  lips  with  anguish,  for  he  knew  too  well 
what  would  be  the  result.  The  troops  were  soon  assailed  on  all  sides, 
not  by  an  enemy  whom  they  could  see  and  meet  in  fair  fight,  but  a foe 
which,  to  them,  was  invisible.  Slain  by  hundreds,  and  unable  to  resist, 
they  soon  fell  into  confusion,  and  General  Braddock  himself  was  mor- 
tally wounded. 

14.  Washington,  however,  remained  perfectly  calm  and  self-pos- 
sessed. As  soon  as  Braddock  fell,  he  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
Virginian  Blues,  as  they  were  called,  led  them  against  the  enemy, 
checked  their  fury,  and  enabled  the  shattered  British  army  to  retreat. 
Braddock  lived  long  enough  to  see  his  folly  and  to  applaud  the  bravery 
of  the  Virginians.  But  he  died;  and  Washington,  to  prevent  the 
savages  from  discovering  or  disturbing  his  remains,  buried  him  in  the 
road,  and  ordered  the  wagons,  on  their  retreat,  to  drive  over  his  grave. 

15.  In  this  battle,  the  English  and  the  colonists  had  seven  hundred 
and  seventy-seven  men  killed  and  wounded,  while  the  enemy  scarcely 
lost  fifty.  Washington  had  four  bullets  sent  through  his  clothes,  and 
two  horses  slain  under  him,  and  yet  he  escaped  unhurt ! He  again 
received  the  thanks  of  his  country,  though  not  in  a formal  manner. 

16.  It  was  not  long  after  this  battle  that,  near  Pittsburg,  an  Indian 
warrior  is  reported  to  have  said  that  Washington  was  not  born  to  be 
killed  by  a bullet ; for  he  had  seventeen  fair  shots  at  him  with  his  rifle, 
during  the  engagement,  and  yet,  after  all,  he  could  not  kill  him.  Such 
a sentiment,  whether  uttered  by  a savage  or  invented  for  the  occasion, 
seems  to  have  been  almost  prophetic. 


12.  How  did  Braddock  receive  Washington’s  advice?  13.  What  was  the  result  of  the 
battle?  14.  What  of  Washingion  when  Braddock  fell?  Where  was  Braddock  buried? 
15.  What  was  the  loss  in  this  battle  ? What  happened  to  Washington  ? 16.  What  did  a 

ravage  say  of  him? 


156 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  LXXI. 

The  French  and  Indian  War, — Plan  of  the  Colonists  for 
taking  Crown  Point, — MontcalrPs  capture  of  the  Fort 
at  Oswego,^  etc, — Lord  Chatham,^  British  Minister, — > 
Louishurg  recaptured, — Abercrombid s disastrous  Attack 
on  Fort  Ticonderoga, — Capture  of  Forts  Frontenac  and 
du  Quesne, — Great  Indian  Treaty, 

1.  Although  for  about  two  years  the  French  and  English  colonies 

had  been  at  war,  the  two 
governments  still  maintain- 
ed the  relations  of  peace  at 
home.  But  in  May,  1756, 
war  was  declared  by  Great 
Britain  against  France,  in 
due  form.  Then  began  that 
celebrated  conflict,  called  in 
our  annals  The  French  and 
Indian  War, 

2.  In  the  full  expectation 
of  immediate  aid  from  the 
mother  country,  the  colonies 
laid  a plan  to  take  the  French 
forts  at  Crown  Point* *  and 
Niagara,  and  for  this  pur- 
pose raised  seven  thousand 
men,  placing  them  under 
the  command  of  General  Winslow,  of  Massachusetts. 

3,  Governor  Shirley  had  been,  for  some  time  past,  the  commander 
of  the  Massachusetts  forces.  But  now  the  British  ministry  appointed 
the  Earl  of  Loudon  to  this  office,  though,  until  his  arrival.  General 
Abercrombie  was  to  have  the  command  of  the  troops  of  Massachusetts. 
But  General  Abercrombie  was  an  inefficient  officer,  and  nothing  decisive 
was  done  this  year. 


Chap.  LXXI. — 1.  What  were  the  relations  of  France  and  England  at  home,  while  the 
colonies  were  at  war?  When  was  war  formally  declared?  2.  What  expectations  had  the 
colonists?  What  forces  were  raised  by  them ? Where  was  Crowm  Point?  3.  What  of 
Governor  Shirley  ? Lord  Loudon  ? General  Abercrombie  ? 

* Crown  Point  was  on  the  western  shore  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  occupied  a point  of 
land  projecting  into  the  lake.  It  was  ninety-five  miles  north-east  of  Albany.  The  sit© 
now  presents  a heap  of  ruins 


LORD  CHATHAM. 


TilK  FRENCH  AND  INDIAN  WAR. 


157 


4.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Canadian  and  Indian  forces,  amounting  to 
eight  thousand  men,  under  General  Mont-calm',  had  attacked  and  taken 
Oswego,  the  American  key  to  Lake  Ontario,  with  sixteen  hundred  of 
our  troops,  and  a large  quantity  of  cannon  and  military  stores — as 
signal  a disaster  to  the  colonies  as  could  have  befallen  them. 

5.  Lord  Loudon  at  length  arrived  in  America,  and  great  preparation 
was  made  in  England  and  America  for  the  campaign  of  the  next  year. 
In  1757,  eleven  ships  of  the  line,  fifty  transports,  and  six  thousand 
fcroops  arrived,  destined  to  act  against  Louishurg,  which  had  again 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  French.  But  the  attack  was  delayed  till  it 
was  so  well  fortified  that  it  was  not  thought  advisable  to  besiege  it. 

6.  General  Montcalm,  the  French  commander,  in  pursuing  his  suc- 
cesses, had,  by  this  time,  besieged  and  taken  Fort  William  Henry,* *  on 
Lake  George.  ISTor  did  he  meet  with  much  resistance,  although  Gen- 
eral Webb,  with  four  thousand  men,  lay  at  Fort  Edward,  only  fifteen 
miles  oflp,  and  evidently  knew  what  was  going  on. 

7.  It  was  a condition,  in  the  surrender  of  the  troops  at  Fort  William 
Henry,  that  their  lives  should  be  spared  after  the  surrender ; and  yet 
the  Indians  butchered  great  multitudes — the  French  officers  pretending 
they  could  not  restrain  them.  Yet  they  had  a regular  force  of  at  least 
seven  thousand  men ! 

8.  In  1758,  the  celebrated  Mr.  Pitt,  Lord  Chatham,  was  placed  at 
the  head  of  the  British  ministry.  This  event  infused  a new  spirit  into 
all  the  affairs  of  the  government,  and  what  was  done  with  regard  to 
the  prosecution  of  the  war  in  America,  was  done  promptly  and  effi- 
ciently. 

9.  He  sent  letters  to  all  the  American  governors,  requiring  them  to 
raise  as  many  troops  as  they  could,  at  the  same  time  promising  to  send 
a large  British  force  to  their  aid.  The  colonies  complied  with  the  re- 
quest, and  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  Hew  Hampshire,  alone, 
raised  fifteen  thousand  men.  They  were  to  be  ready  for  action  in  May. 

10.  The  first  movement  was  against  Louisburg,  in  the  months  of 
June  and  July.  This  fortress,  after  a stout  resistance,  surrendered, 
and,  with  it,  five  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men.  A 
considerable  amount  of  cannon  also  was  taken.  The  whole  country, 
from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  to  Hova  Scotia,  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  English. 

4.  What  had  the  Canadian  and  Indian  forces  done?  5.  What  of  Lord  Loudon?  What 
took  place  in  1757  ? 6.  What  of  General  Montcalm  ? 7.  What  happened  at  Fort  William 
Henry?  8.  When  was  Pitt  made  prime  minister?  9.  What  steps  did  he  take  ? 10.  What 
was  the  first  attack  ? What  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  English  ? 

* Fort  William  Henry  was  situated  at  the  southern  point  of  Lake  George,  on  the  north- 
eastern border  of  the  present  state  of  New  York.  Fort  Edward  was  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Hudson  River,  forty -five  miles  north  of  Albany. 

14 


158 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


11.  An  attack  was  next  made  on  Ti-con-de-ro'-ga.* *  As  Lord  Lou- 
don had  returned  to  England,  the  expedition  was  conducted  by  the 
inefficient  Abercrombie.  Though  he  had  a force  of  seven  thousand 
British  and  nine  thousand  colonists,  and  though  the  garrison  consisted 
of  but  three  thousand  men,  he  was  repulsed,  with  a loss,  in  killed  and 
wounded,  of  nearly  two  thousand  men. 

12.  The  passage  of  General  Abercrombie  over  Lake  George,  when 
going  to  Ticonderoga,  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  most  splendid 
and  imposing  scenes  ever  witnessed.  The  morning  was  bright  and 
beautiful,  the  music  fine ; the  ensigns  glittered  in  the  sunbeams,  and  a 
fleet  of  one  thousand  and  thirty -five  boats,  with  sixteen  thousand  men, 
moved  along  in  the  most  exact  order.  How  different  must  have  been 
their  return ! 

13.  General  Abercrombie,  as  if  to  atone  for  past  remissness,  now 
sent  out  three  thousand  men  against  Fort  Fron'-te-nac,  near  the  outlet 
of  Lake  Ontario,  which  in  two  days  surrendered.  An  expedition 
was  also  fitted  out  against  Fort  du  Quesne,  but  the  French  had  evacu- 
ated it  the  evening  before  they  arrived.  It  was  at  this  period  that  it 
took  the  name  of  Pittsburg. 

14.  A treaty  was  made  this  year  at  Easton,  sixty  miles  from  Phila- 
delphia, by  the  English  colonies,  with  the  principal  tribes  of  Indians 
between  the  Atlantic  and  the  Eocky  Mountains.  Ho  less  than  five 
hundred  Indian  representatives,  including  women  and  children,  were 
present,  in  their  national  costume. 

15.  Among  them  were  Mo'-hawks,  O-nei'-das,  On-on-d^'-gas,  Ca-yu'- 
gas,  Sen'-e-cas,  Tus-ca-ro'-ras,  Han'-ti-coques,  Co'-nays,  Tu'-te-loes, 
Chug' -nuts,  Del'-a-wares,  U'-na-mies,  Min'-i-sinks,  Mo-hi'-cans,  and 
Wap'-pin-gers.  Such  an  assembly  had  not  been  seen  before,  since  the 
days  of  Penn. 


11.  Who  attacked  Ticonderoga  and  with  what  success?  12.  Describe  the  passage  over 
Lake  George,  13.  What  did  Abercrombie  now  do?  14.  What  treaty  was  made  thi.« 
year?  15.  What  tribes  of  Indians  were  present? 

* Ticoaderoga  was  situated  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  George. 


I 


i 


158 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


11.  An  attack  was  next  made  on  Ti-con-de-ro'-ga.*  As  Lord  Lou- 
don  had  returned  to  England,  the  expedition  was  conducted  by  the 
inefficient  Abercrombie.  Though  he  had  a force  of  seven  thousand  \ 
British  and  nine  thousand  colonists,  and  though  the  garrison  consisted 
of  but  three  thousand  men,  he  was  repulsed,  with  a loss,  in  killed  and  { 
wounded,  of  nearly  two  thousand  men. 

12.  The  passage  of  General  Abercrombie  over  Lake  George,  when 
, going  to  Ticonderoga,  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  most  splendid 

and  imposing  scenes  ever  witnessed.  The  morning  was  bright  and  ; 
beautiful,  the  music  fine;  the  ensigns  glittered  in  the  sunbeams,  and  a 7 
fleet  of  one  thousand  and  thirty -five  boats,  with  sixteen  thousand  men, 
moved  along  in  the  most  exact  order.  How  different  must  have  been  ^ 
their  return! 

13.  General  Abercrombie,  as  if  to  atone  for  past  remissness,  now  ■ 

sent  out  three  thousand  men  against  Fort  Fron'-te-nac,  near  the  outlet  < 
of  Lake  Ontario,  which  in  two  days  surrendered.  An  expedition  ■ 
was  also  fitted  out  against  Fort  du  Quesne,  but  the  French  had  evacu-  . 
ated  it  the  evening  before  they  arrived.  It  was  at  this  period  that  it  ^ 
took  the  name  of  Pi^.sburg.  ^ 

14.  A treaty  was  made  this  year  at  Easton,  sixty  miles  from  Phila-  Si 
delphia,  by  the  English  colonies,  with  the  ‘principal  tribes  of  Indians  ^ 
between  the  Atlantic  and  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Xo  less  than  five  ji 
hundred  Indian  representatives,  including  women  and  children,  were 
present,  in  their  national  costume. 

15.  Among  them  were  Mo'-hawks,  O-nei'-das,  On-on-da'-gas,  Ca-yu'- , 
gas,  Sen'-e-cas,  Tus-ca-ro'-ras,  !^an'-ti-coques,  Co'-nays,  Tu'-te-loes, 
itliOg'-nuts,  DeT-a-wares,  U'-na-mies,  Min'-i-sinks,  Mo-hi'-cans,  and  - 1 
W ap'-pin-gers.  Such  an  assembly  had  not  been  seen  before,  since  the  ; ; 


davs  of  Penn. 


* was  situated  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  George. 


1 1.  "Who  attacked  Ticonderoga  and  with  what  success?  12.  Describe  the  passage, 

Lake  George  13.  What  did  Abercrombie  now  do?  14.  Wbnt  treaty  was  made  tl 
year?  15.  What  tribes  of  Indians  were  present?  iti 

-fi 
■« 
1 


ATTACK  UPON  QUEBEC. 


159 


CHAPTER  LXXII. 

Campaign  (?/* *  1759. — Quebec  captured, — Death  of  Wolfe 
and  Montcalm, 

1.  The  campaign  of  1759  Avas  opened  with  an  invasion  of  Canada. 

General  Amlierst 
had  succeeded 
General  Aber- 
crombie as  the 
commander  of 
the  colonial 
forces,  and  was  a 
far  more  efficient 
officer.  In  July 
of  this  year,  he 
led  a part  of  his 
forces  against  Ti- 
conderoga  and 
Crown  Point, 
both  of  which 
were  taken  with- 

DEATII  OF  WOLFE.'  Ollt  IHUCh  TCSist- 

ance. 

2.  Another  division  of  the  army  went  against  Niagara.  Here  was 
some  irregular  fighting,  during  which  a serious  accident  occurred. 
General  Prideaux,  the  English  commander,  was  killed  by  the  bursting 

a gun.  He  was  succeeded  in  the  command  by  General  Johnson, 
^'boin  a few  days  gained  possession  of  the  post. 

It  now  became  the  great  object  of  the  English  -and  American 
forces  to  take  Quebec.  It  was  quite  an  ancient  ])lace — as  old,  within 
one  year,  as  Jamestown,  and  was  strongly  fortified.  It  was  considered 
ahnost  as  difficult  to  be  captured  as  Louisburg  or  Gibraltar. 

f Quebec  is  on  the  north-west  side  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  is 
•divided  into  the  upper  and  lower  town.  The  upper  town  is  built  on  a 
high  limestone  rock,  two  hundred  feet  liiglier  tlian  the  river;  but  the 
town  is  on  a plain,  almost  level  with  the  water.  Where  the  upper 
^own  joins  the  river,  is  an  abrupt  precipice,  the  summit  of  which  is 


LXXII — 1.  What  took  place  in  1759?  What  of  General  Amherst?  2.  What 

*i>«h>ne  by  another  division  of  the  army?  Wh.at  of  General  Prideaux?  8.  What  of 
Vu..b<.e?  4.  Describe  It. 


ATTACK  UPON  QUEBEC. 


159 


CHAPTER  LXXII. 

Campaign  of  1759. — Quebec  captured, — Death  of  W^olfe 
and  Montcalm, 


1.  The  c.amDaign  of  1759  w^^pened  with  an  inyaslon  of  Canada. 

I GeneralAmlierst 
I had  succeeded 
I General  Aber- 
I crombie  as  the 
I commander  of 
Ithe  colonial 
l^rces,  and  was  a 
I far  more  efficient 
[officer.  In  July 
[of  this  year,  he 
[led  a part  of  his 
I forces  against  Ti- 
jconderoga  and 
jOrown  Point, 
[both  of  which 
I were  taken  with- 
I out  much  resist- 
ance. 

2.  Another’^yision  of  the  army  went  against  Niagara.  Here  was 
some  irregular  fighting,  during  which  a serious  accident  occurred. 
General  Prideaux,;  the  English  commander,  was  killed  by  the  bursting 
of  a gun.  He  w^s  succeeded  in  the  command  by  General  Johnson, 
who  in  a few  days^gained  possession  of  the  post. 

3.  It  now  becaiie  the  great  object  of  the  English  and  American 
forces  to  take  Quelle.  It  was  quite  an  ancient  place — as  old,  within 
one  year,  as  James^^wn,  and  was  strongly  j^rtified.  It  was  considered 
almost  as  difficult  fo  be  captured  as  Louisburg  or  Gibraltar. 

4.  Quebec  is  on^the  north-west  side  of^  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  is 
divided  into  the  upgsr  and  lower  town.  T^e  upper  town  is  built  on  a 
high  limestone  rock,  two  hundred  feet  higper  than  the  river ; but  the 
lower  town  is  on  a plain,  almost  level  with  {he  water.  Where  the  upper 
town  joins  the  river,  is  an  abrupt  precipice,  the  summit  of  which  is 


Chap.  LXXII. — 1.  What  took  place  in  1759?  What  of  General  Amherst?  2.  What 
was  (lone  by  another  division  of  the  army  ? What  of  General  Prideaux  ? 8.  What  of 
Quebec  ? 4.  Describe  it. 


160 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


called  the  Heights  of  Abraham ; around  it,  or  near  it,  is  the  plain  of 
Abraham. 

5.  General  Wolfe,  a brave  and  experienced  British  officer,  sailed  from 
Louisburg,  with  eight  thousand  men,  in  the  month  of  June,  to  meet 
General  Amherst  there,  and  attack  Quebec.  He  landed  on  the  island 
of  Orleans,  a little  below  the  city.  After  many  unsuccessful  attempts 
to  approach  the  city,  which  took  up  the  time  till  September,  he  con- 
ceived the  bold  plan  of  ascendineJi^Teigh^o^Abraham. 

that 
he  did 

before  daylight 
was  no 

leading 

heigh 

the 

defence.  About  the  middle  of  the  forenoon  the  two/ffmies  met.  A 
hard-fought  battle  followed,  often  contested  at  the  poilit  of  the  bayonet, 
but  the  English  were  h^t  last  victorious.  < 

10.  The  battle  was  iX)t  only  severe,  but  exceedingly  bloody.  The 

English  lost  six  hundred  ^n  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  French  many 
more — beside  a thousand^risoners.  But  the  loss  wiis  most  striking  in 
valuable  officers.  The  commanders  of  both  arnr^es  were  killed,  as 
well  as  the  second  in  comnuind.  Two  other  principal  generals  of  the 
French  army  were  also  wotinded.  ^ 

11.  General  Wolfe,  who^ad  jdaced  himself  in  the  front  of  his  army 
to  encourage  the  troops,  received  a wound  in  hi^l  wrist,  early  in  the 
action,  but  he  wrapped  his : handkerchief  around  it,  and  continued  at 
his  post.  Soon  after,  a ball  pierced  his  groin,  but  he  concealed  the 


5.  What  of  General  Wolfe  ? 6.  What  did  he  first  attempt  ? 7.  What  end  had  he  in 
view  ? What  was  done  on  the  night  of  September  12?  8.  Describe  the  ascent.  9.  What 
of  General  Montcalm  ? Describe  the  battle.  Who  were  victorious  ? 10.  What  was  the 

loss  on  bdth  sides?  11.  What  wounds  did  Wolfe  receive? 


160 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UxMTED  STATES. 


called  the  Heights  of  Abraham ; around  it,  ot  near  it,  is  the  plain  of  M 
Abraham. 

5.  General  "Wolfe,  a brave  and  experienced  British  officer,  sailed  from 
Louisburg,  with  eight  thousand  men,  in  the  month  of  June,  to  meet 
General  Amherst  there,  and  attack  Quebec.  He  landed  on  the  island 
of  Orleans,  a little  below  the  city.  After  many  unsuccessful  attempts  % 
to  approach  the  city,  which  took  up  the  time  till  September,  he  con- 
ceived  the  bold  plan  of  ascending  the  Heights  of  Abraham. 

6.  After  waiting  as  long  for  General  Amlierst  as  the  season  would ' ^ 
admit,  he  resolved  to  x>roceed  alone.  Leaving  the  island  of  Orleans,  || 
he  first  went  up  the  river  nine  miles.  The  French,  observing  this, 
immediately  detached  a part  of  tlieir  forces  at  Quebec  to  oppose  his 
landing  in  that  direction. 

7.  But  he  did  not  intend  to  land  there;  he  had  another  object  in  ”1 
view.  He  was  about  to  attempt  wliat  no  one  before  him  had  ever 
tempted,  and  what  the  French  did  not  suspect.  During  the  night  of 
September  12,  the  troops,  in  flat-bottomed  boats,  with  some  difficulty,  '^ 
succeeded  in  landing  at  the  foot  of  the  heights,  and  an  hour  or  two  ^ 
before  daylight  had  begun  to  climb  the  precipice. 

8.  It  was  no  light  matter  for  eight  thousand  men  to  climb  an  almost  J 
perpendicular  precipice  of  two  hundred  feet,  and  draw  up  after  them 
all  their  artillery,  baggage,  etc.  But  they  persevered.  General  Wolfe  g 
himself  leading  the  way.  At  daybreak,  the  whole  army  had  fairly 
scaled  the  heights,  and  were  on  the  plains  of  Abraliam. 

9.  Tliough  surprised  at  their  appearance,  General  Montcalm  rallied  ^ 
the  French  troops,  and  made  the  best  possible  preparation  for  a stout| 
defence.  About  the  middle  of  the  forenoon  the  two  armies  met. 
hard-fought  battle  followed,  often  contested  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,"^ 
but  the  Englisli  were  at  last  victorious. 

10.  The  battle  was  not  only  severe,  but  exceedingly  bloody.  Tbep 
English  lost  six  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  tlie  French  many M 
more — beside  a thousand  prisoners.  But  the  loss  w’as  most  striking 
valuable  officers.  The  commanders  of  both  armies  were  killed, 
well  as  the  second  in  command.  Two  other  principal  generals  of  the^ 
French  army  were  also  wounded. 

11.  General  Wolfe,  who  had  placed  himself  in  the  ffiont  of  his  arnij| 
to  encourage  the  troops,  received  a wound  in  his  WTist,  early  in  the 
action,  but  he  wrapped  his  handkerchief  around  it,  and  continued 
his  post.  Soon  after,  a ball  pierced  his  groin,  but  he  concealed  th< 


a Whnt  of  General  Wolfe  ? 6.  What  did  he  first  attempt  ? 7.  What  end  had  ^ 
view?  What  was  done  on  the  night  of  Beptemher  12?  8.  Describe  the  ascent.  9. 
of  General  Montcalm?  Describe  the  battle.  Who  were  vi<  torious  ? 10.  What  was 

loB.s  on  both  sides?  11  What  wounds  did  Wolfe  receive? 


161 


CAPTURE  OF  QUEBEC. 


anguish,  and  fought  on.  At  length,  a shot  pierced  his  breast,  and  he 
fell. 

12.  He  did  not  expire,  liowever,  immediately,  but  lived  long  enough 
lo  know  the  issue  of  the  battle.  “ They  fly  ! they  fly  I”  said  the  men, 
at  a little  distance,  as  he  leaned,  in  the  agonies  of  death,  on  the 
shoulder  of  one  of  his  lieutenants.  “\YJio  fly?”  said  he,  raising  for 
an  instant  his  drooping  head..  Being  told  it  was  the  French,  “Then,’* 
said  he,  “ I die  happy.” 

13.  The  death  of  Montcalm,  the  French  commander,  who  was  wound- 
ed in  the  battle,  was  not  less  striking.  'When  told  that  his  wound 
w ould  be  fatal  in  a short  time,  he  replied,  “ Then  I shall  not  live  to 
see  Quebec  surrendered.”  He  spent  his  last  moments  in  writing  a 
letter  to  the  English  commander,  recommending  the  French  prisoners 
to  his  care  and  attention. 

14.  The  death  of  these  generals  has  been  the  theme  of  fi  equent 
eulogy;  both  possessed  in  a high  degree  the  soldierly  merit  of  courage 
and  devotion  to  their  cause.  Wolfe  was  a young  man — scarcely  thirty- 
three  years  of  age,  and  much  beloved,  Montcalm  was  sometliing  over 
toy-five.  They  were  not  merely  men  of  genius,  and  skilled  in  their 
profession;  they  possessed  the  nobler  qualities  of  truth,  honor,  and 
humanity. 


CHAPTER  LXXm. 

The  French  and  Indian  War  concluded. — The  St.  Fran- 
cis  Indiaiis  chastised. — The  CheroJcees  defeated. — Sur- 
render of  the  French  Worth  American  Colonies  to  the 
Fritish. — Peace  ofWiQi. 

1-  Important  to  the  colonies  as  were  the  events  described  in  the 
chapter,  they  did  not  end  the  struggle.  The  French  were  still  in 
I^ossession  of  a powerful  army  and  many  strongly  fortified  posts.  In- 
^ced  they  were  not  yet  reconciled  to  the  loss  of  Quebec. 

2.  In  April  of  the  ensuing  spring,  the  French  approached  Quebec 
^*ith  a view  to  retake  it,  when  General  Murray,  who  had  been  left  in 
command  of  the  garrison  during  the  winter,  marched  out  to  meet 
A bloody  battle  was  fouglit,  about  three  miles  from  the  city, 
which  the  colonists  were  defeated  with  the  loss  of  a thousand  men. 

Wolfe’s  death.  18.  Describe  the  death  of  Montcalm.  14.  What  of  the  death 

. ® generals?  What  were  the  ages  of  these  two  creat  coiniiiandor.'-?  Their  char- 
acters ? c-  c- 

What  of  tlie  French?  2.  Wliat  of  General  Murray?  To  what 
* y id  the  French  lay  siege  ? 

14  It 


^ 'i 

* 


CAPTURE  OF  QUEBEC.  161 

anguish,  and  fought  on.  At  length,  a shot  pierced  his  breast,  and  he 
fell. 

12.  He  did  not  expire,  however,  immediately,  hut  lived  long  enough 
to  know  the  issue  of  the  battle.  “They  fly ! they  fly!”  said  the  men, 
at  a little  distance,  as  he  leaned,  in  the  agonies  of  death,  on  the 
shoulder  of  one  of  his  lieutenants.  “ Who  fly  ?”  said  he,  raising  for 
an  instant  his  drooping  head.  Being  told  it  was  the  French,  “ Then,” 
said  he,  “ I die  happy.” 

13.  The  death  of  Montcalm,  the  French  commander,  who  was  wound- 
ed in  the  battle,  was  not  less  striking.  When  told  that  his  tv^ound 
would  he  fatal  in  a short  time,  he  replied,  “ Then  I shall  not  live  to 
see  Quebec  surrendered.”  He  spent  his  last  moments  in  writing  a 
letter  to  the  English  commander,  recommending  the  French  prisoners 
to  his  care  and  attention, 

14.  The  death  of  these  generals  has  been  the  theme  of  frequent 
eulogy ; both  possessed  in  a high  degree  the  soldierly  merit  of  courage 
and  devotion  to  their  cause.  Wolfe  was  a young  man — scarcely  thirty- 
three  years  of  age,  and  much  beloved.  Montcalm  was  something  over 
forty -five.  They  were  not  merely  men  of  genius,  and  skilled  in  their 
profession ; they  possessed  the  nobler  qualities  of  truth,  honor,  and 
humanity. 


CHAPTEE  LXXIIl. 

The  French  and  Indian  War  concluded, — The  St  Fran- 
cis Indians  chastised, — The  Cherohees  defeated, — SuT‘ 
render  of  the  French  North  American  Colonies  to  the 
British, — Peace  ofVl^Z, 

1.  Impoetant  to  the  colonies  as  were  the  events  described  in  the 
last  chapter,  they  did  not  end  the  struggle.  The  French  were  still  in 
possession  of  a powerful  army  and  many  strongly  fortified  posts.  In- 
deed they  were  not  yet  reconciled  to  the  loss  of  Quebec. 

2.  In  April  of  the  ensuing  spring,  the  French  approached  Quebec 
with  a view  to  retake  it,  when  General  Murray,  who  had  been  left  in 
command  of  the  garrison  during  the  winter,  marched  out  to  meet 
them.  A bloody  battle  was  fought,  about  three  miles  from  the  city, 
in  which  the  colonists  were  defeated  with  the  loss  of  a thousand  men. 


12.  Describe  W olfe’s  death.  13.  Describ  e the  death  of  Montcalm.  14.  What  of  the  death 
of  the  two  generals?  What  were  the  ages  of  these  two  great  commanders?  Their  char- 
acters ? 

Chap.  LXXIIL— 1.  What  of  the  French?  2.  What  of  General  Murray?  To  what 
city  did  the  French  lay  siege  ? 


162 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


3.  Though  the  loss  of  the  French  in  this  battle  was  twice  as  great 
as  that  of  the  English,  yet,  with  their  superior  numbers,  they  were 
still  able  to  invest  the  city.  Soon  after  the  siege  was  begun,  an  Eng- 
lish squadron  arrived  in  the  river,  which  attacked  and  destroyed  a 
French  fleet  of  six  frigates,  and  compelled  the  invading  army  to  raise 
the  siege. 

4.  The  English  and  colonists  now  united  all  their  strength  to  take 

Montreal.  They  had  assembled  at  its  gates  a force  of  more  than  ten 
thousand  men,  and  new  troops  were  daily  arriving,  when  the  com- 
mander, believing  resistance  would  be  useless,  surrendered  the  city. 
De-troit'  and  Michilimackinac  , now  called  Mack- 

inac or  Mackinaw,  and  all  the  fortified  posts  of  Canada,  surrendered  a 
few  days  afterward. 

5.  During  the  campaign  of  1759,  Major  Rogers,  with  two  hundred 
men,  was  sent  against  the  St.  Francis  Indians.  Their  principal  town 
was  St.  Francis,  situated  near  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  about  half  way 
between  Montreal  and  Quebec.  Major  Rogers  succeeded  in  burning 
their  town,  killing  two  hundred  of  their  people,  and  taking  twenty 
women  and  children,  most  of  whom  he  afterward  set  free. 

6.  These  St.  Francis  Indians  had  been  the  most  barbarous  enemies 
with  which  Mew  England  had  been  obliged  to  contend.  They  had,  in 
six  years,  killed  and  taken  four  hundred  of  the  colonists,  and  hundreds 
of  scalps  were  found  hanging  over  the  doors  of  their  wigwams  when 
Major  Rogers  entered  the  village. 

7.  But  the  victory  over  them,  though  complete,  was  dearly  bought. 
“We  marched  nine  days,”  says  Major  Rogers,  “through  wet,  sunken 
ground,  the  water,  for  most  of  the  way,  being  nearly  a foot  deep.’^ 
In  going  and  returning,  and  in  the  battle,  he  lost  about  a quarter  of 
his  men. 

8.  In  1760,  there  was  much  trouble  with  the  Cherokee  Indians  at 
the  south.  A quarrel  between  them  and  the  Virginians  had  long  ex- 
isted, but  the  French  traders,  it  was  supposed,  inflamed  the  minds  of 
the  Indians  anew.  A detachment  of  twelve  hundred  men  was  sent 
out  against  them,  but  nothing  effectual  was  accomplished. 

9.  In  1761,  a body  of  twenty-six  hundred  men,  under  Colonel  Grant, 
met  them  in  a great  battle,  in  their  own  country,  in  which  the  Chero- 
kees  were  completely  defeated.  Their  houses,  magazines,  and  corn- 
fields were  burned,  and  they  were  driven  to  the  mountains.  A few  days 
afterward  the  chiefs  came  in,  however,  and  signed  a treaty  of  peace. 


3.  What  was  clone  by  the  English  squadron  ? 4.  Why  did  the  commander  surrender 
Montreal  ? What  places  afterward  surrendered  ? 5.  What  did  Major  Rogers  do  ? 6 
What  of  the  St.  Francis  Indians?  7.  What  does  Major  Rogers  say  of  the  march?  8. 
^>r\  ^*'vpened  in  1760  ? 9.  In  1761  ? 


REVIEW. 


163 


10.  Although  Canada  was  conquered,  and  the  war  ended  in  that 
quarter,  peace  was  not  fully  concluded  between  Great  Britain  and 
France  till  the  year  1763.  In  the  year  1762,  Great  Britain  and  Spain 
were  at  war,  and  a force  being  about  to  be  sent  against  Mar-tin-ique' 
in  the  IVest  Indies,  eleven  battalions,  consisting  of  four  thousand  men, 
under  the  command  of  General  Monckton,  were  ordered  for  New  York. 

11.  The  French  struggled  hard,  this  year,  to  retake  Newfoundland, 
but  without  success.  This  was  their  last  effort.  Peace  was  made  be- 
tween the  contending  nations  in  1763,  by  which  all  the  possessions 
of  the  French  to  the  northward  of  the  United  British  Colonies  were 
ceded  to  Great  Britain,  to  which  country  they  still  belong.  Louisiana 
was  also  ceded  by  the  French  to  Spain  about  the  same  time. 

12.  Thus  ended  the  long  and  bloody  conflict,  called  the  French  and 
Indian  War,  Except  the  Revolutionary  war,  of  which  we  shall  soon 
give  an  account,  it  was  by  far  the  most  important  conflict  in  which  the 
American  colonists  were  ever  engaged.  It  resulted  in  removing  the 
French  from  this  continent,  and  in  transferring  to  the  British  a terri- 
tory equal  in  extent  to  the  half  of  Europe. 


CHAPTER  LXXIV. 

Review  of  the  preceding  History, — The  Thirteen  Colonies, 
— The  approaching  Conflict  of  the  Colonies  with  the 
Mother  Country, — The  preceding  portion  of  this  His- 
tory,, Colonial;  the  succeeding  portion,,  National, 

1.  We  have  now  traced  the  history  of  the  English  colonies  in  North 
America  from  the  first  settlement  in  1607  to  the  year  1763.  At  this 
latter  date  these  colonies  were  thirteen  in  number,  and  contained  about 
two  millions  and  a half  of  inhabitants.  Such  had  been  the  progress 
of  these  settlements  in  a hundred  and  flfty-six  years. 

2.  In  the  Southern  Division  of  the  country,  there  were  the  colonies 
of  YiRomiA,  settled  in  1607;  North  Carolina,  settled  about  1660; 
South  Carolina,  settled  in  1670 ; and  Georgia,  settled  in  1733. 

3.  In  the  Middle  Division  there  were  New  York,  settled  in  1613; 
New  Jersey,  settled  in  1624;  Pennsylvania,  settled  in  1681 ; Dela- 
ware, settled  in  1638;  and  Maryland,  settled  in  1634. 


10.  When  was  peace  concluded  between  France  and  England  ? What  of  the  year  1762  ? 
11.  What  of  the  French?  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  peace  of  1763  ? What  of 
Louisiana?  12  What  was  the  result  of  the  French  and  Indian  war? 

Chap.  LXXIV. — 1.  For  what  length  of  time  have  we  now  traced  the  history  of  the  Eng- 
lish colonies?  Population  of  the  colonies  in  1768?  How  many  colonies  were  there? 
2-4.  Name  the  thirteen  colonies  and  the  date  of  settlement  of  each. 


164 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  In  the  Northern  Division  there  were  Massachusetts,  settled  in 
1620;  Connecticut,  settled  in  1633;  Rhode  Island,  settled  in  1636, 
and  New  Hampshiee,  settled  in  1623.  What  now  constitutes  the  state 
of  Maine,  then  belonged  to  Massachusetts ; and  the  territory  of  the 
present  state  of  Vermont,  containing  only  a few  inhabitants  at  that 
time,  was  claimed  both  by  New  Hampshire  and  New  York. 

5.  These  were  the  colonies  which  took  part  in  the  French  and  Indian 
War,  of  which  we  have  just  given  an  account.  Although  the  British 
government  sent  over  ships,  men,  and  money  to  aid  in  that  war,  yet 
on  the  colonies  fell  the  heaviest  share  of  the  burden,  and  to  them 
chiefly  belongs  the  merit  of  the  great  success  that  attended  the  con^ 
flict. 

6.  In  this  war,  the  colonies,  as  we  have  seen,  did  not  act  separately 
as  in  the  beginning ; they  united  as  all  belonging  to  one  country,  and 
thus  laid  the  foundation  of  that  union  which  hound  them  during  the 
Revolution,  and  which  now  hinds  them,  as  a republic  of  many  states, 
forming  one  nation. 

Y.  Hitherto,  our  history  has  been  an  account  of  the  rise  and  pro- 
gress of  separate  colonies ; from  this  time  forward,  it  is  the  history  of 
a nation.  We  are  now  about  to  enter  upon  the  events  which  caused 
a state  of  hostility  between  the  colonies  and  the  mother  country,  and 
which,  resulting  in  a long  and  severe  war,  ended  in  a final  separation 
between  them.  Hitherto  we  have  spoken  of  the  people  of  this  coun- 
try as  English;  we  must  henceforth  regard  them  as  Americans, 


4 What  of  Maine?  Vermont?  5.  What  part  did  these  thirteen  colonies  take  ir  the 
French  and  Indian  war  ? To  whom  does  the  chief  credit  of  the  success  of  the  war  belong  f 
6.  Describe  the  union  of  the  colonies  in  this  war.  Of  what  did  this  union  lay  the  foun- 
dation? T What  has  our  precedin';  history  been?  What  will  the  subsequent  part  be? 
What  have  we  called  the  people  of  this  country  hitherto  ? What  may  we  consider  thcup* 
hereafter  ? 


TAXATION  OF  THE  COLONIES. 


165 


CHAPTER  LXXY. 

PERIOD  OF  EVENTS  LEADING  TO  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION, 

Taxation  of  the  Colonies, — The  /Sugar  Act. 

1.  We  now  come  to  that  period  in  our  history  when  Great  Britain 
entered  upon  a system  of  measures  which  caused  the  colonies  to  re- 
sist the  government  of  the  mother  country,  and  finally  to  achieve  their 
independence.  This  system  consisted  mainly  in  the  laying  of  taxes 
upon  sugar,  stamps,  tea,  and  various  other  articles  imported  into,  or 
used  in  this  country. 

2.  As  will  he  hereafter  seen,  the  chief  ground  of  opposition  to  thes© 
measures  was,  that  the  colonies  were  not  represented  by  any  members 
of  their  own  country,  in  the  British  government,  and  that  it  was  alike 
unjust,  dangerous,  and  contrary  to  the  British  constitution  for  any 
people  to  be  taxed  by  the  government  in  which  they  had  no  represen- 
tatives to  watch  over  and  vindicate  their  rights  and  interests. 

3.  As  early  as  the  year  1651,  Great  Britain  had  begun  to  pass  laws 
to  restrMn  and  direct  the  colonial  trade.  Similar  attempts  were  made 
in  1660;  again  in  1672,  1676,  1691,  and  1692.  In  the  year  1696,  a 
pamphlet  was  published — not  indeed  by  the  ministry,  but  by  some 
person  of  distinction — in  which  it  was  recommended  to  lay  a tax  on 
one  of  the  colonies. 

4.  This  pamphlet  was  answered  by  two  others,  which  denied  the 
power  to  tax  colonies  which  were  not  represented  in  parliament,  and 
which  had  never  consented  to  such  taxation.  Indeed,  the  colonies  had 
always  felt  aggrieved  by  the  British  restrictions  upon  their  trade  and 
commerce ; and  Massachusetts  and  New  York  had  shown  their  dissatis- 
faction by  public  acts  of  their  assemblies. 

5.  It  is  true  that  the  British  had  incurred  a heavy  expense  on  ac- 
count of  the  colonies,  but  then  the  trade  of  the  latter  was  of  immense 
value  to  them.  Still  they  seemed  determined  to  impose  taxes  in  some 
form.  In  1764,  it  was  distinctly  stated  in  the  English  papers,  that  they 
were  about  to  defray  the  expenses  of  quartering  a body  of  troops 
among  our  countrymen,  by  requiring  a duty  on  sugar,  molasses,  indigo, 
cofifee,  etc. 


Chap.  LXXV. — 1.  What  period  do  we  now  come  to  in  our  history?  What  was  the 
system  of  measures  which  induced  the  American  colonies  to  resist  the  government  of 
the  mother  country?  What  was  the  final  result  of  their  resistance  to  the  British  govern- 
ment ? 2.  What  was  the  chief  ground  of  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  colonies  to  this 
system  of  taxation  ? 3.  What  passed  between  the  years  1691  and  1696  ? 4.  How  was  the 
pamphlet  answered  ? What  of  the  colonies  ? 5.  What  of  British  taxation?  What  was 

done  in  1764? 


166 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


6.  The  Sugar  Act^  as  it  was  called,  was  passed  the  5th  ot  April  of 
this  year,  1764;  and  it  was  at  the  same  time  determined  that  ten 
thousand  soldiers  should^e  kept  in  America.  The  British  had  a large 
standing  army,  and  they  must  be  quartered  somewhere ; and  why  not, 
they  doubtless  thought,  keep  a part  of  them  in  America,  where  there 
was  of  late  such  a frequent  demand  for  their  services  ? 

7.  But  the  colonists  complained  loudly  of  both  these  measures,  espe- 
cially as  they  had  not  given  their  assent  to  them.  The  Massachusetts 
agent  in  England  had  indeed  partially  assented  to  them,  but  the  colo- 
nists had  immediately  protested  against  the  concession,  as  admitting  a 
principle  which  they  had  never  intended  to  yield.  It  was  all  to  no 
purpose,  however ; the  parliament  were  determined  to  make  the  ex- 
periment of  taxation  without  representation. 

8.  How  much  the  British  were  influenced,  at  this  time,  by  a fear  of 
the  rising  power  of  the  colonies,  who  had  shown  themselves  able  to 
overcome,  almost  single-handed,  the  whole  host  of  French  and  Indians 
from  Newfoundland  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  cannot  now  be  known. 
Certain  it  is,  however,  that  they  began  to  entertain  hostile,  or  at 
least  jealous  feelings  toward  our  country  on  this  account. 

9.  On  the  other  hand,  the  determination  of  the  mother  country  to 
pay  no  regard  to  the  complaints  of  the  colonies,  respecting  taxation 
without  representation^  had  laid  the  foundation  of  much  ill-will,  on  the 
part  of  the  colonies,  toward  her ; and  much  was  said  and  written  on 
the  subject  by  their  ablest  statesmen  and  writers,  especially  by  James 
Otis,  of  Boston,  and  Eichard  Henry  Lee,  of  Virginia. 

10.  The  sugar  act  led  to  a great  deal  of  smuggling,  and  Anally  to  an 
almost  entire  extinction  of  the  colonial  trade  with  the  French  and 
Spanish  West  Indies.  The  colonies,  '^o  retaliate,  resolved  not  to  pur- 
chase clothing  of  the  English,  but  to  use,  as  much  as  possible,  their 
own  manufactures. 

11.  This  resolution  was  so  generally  adhered  to,  that  the  consump- 
tion of  British  merchandise  was  greatly  diminished  in  the  colonies, 
especially  in  the  large  and  populous  towns.  In  Boston,  alone,  having 
then  about  flfteen  thousand  inhabitants,  it  was  lessened,  in  the  year 
1764,  more  than  ten  thousand  pounds  sterling  in  value,  that  is,  about 
fifty  thousand  dollars.  But  this,  instead  of  inducing  the  English  to 
relax  the  severity  of  their  measures,  only  induced  them  to  persevere 
in  their  oppression. 


6.  What  was  determined  upon  ? 7 What  of  the  colonists  ? What  of  Massachusetts  ? 
What  were  the  Parliament  determined  to  do  ? 8.  What  cannot  be  known  ? What  is 
certain  ? 9.  What  of  the  determination  of  the  mother  country  ? Who  wrote  on  the  sub- 
pet  of  taxation  ? 10.  What  of  the  sugar  act?  Upon  what  did  the  colonies  resolve*?  11. 

What  of  the  consumption  of  British  merchandise  ? What  of  the  English  ? 


THE  STAMP  ACT. 


167 


CHAPTEE  LXXYI. 


The  Stamp  Act. — Dr.  FramMin  in  London.  — Patrick 
Henryks  celebrated  Speech. — A Congress  of  the  Colonies. 


1.  In  1765,  the  British  parliament  passed  what  has  always  been 

known  hy  the 
name  of  the 
Stamp  Act.  Ac- 
cording to  this 
act,  no  colonial 
instruments  in 
writing,  such  as 
deeds,  bonds, 
and  notes,  were 
to  he  binding, 
or  of  any  force 
whatever,  un- 
less they  were 
executed  on 
stamped  paper^ 
for  which  a duty 
was  to  he  paid 
to  the  crown  of 
Great  Britain. 

2.  As  the  re- 
sult of  this  act, 

a ream  of  stamped  bail-bonds  would  come  to  one  hundred  pounds 
sterling,  or  nearly  five  hundred  dollars,  and  a ream  of  stamped  policies 
of  insurance  to  one  hundred  and  ninety  pounds ; whereas,  before  this, 
the  former  cost  only  fifteen  pounds,  and  the  latter  twenty.  It  was, 
however,  only  a tax  of  one  or  two  dollars  on  each  sheet,  and  was  not, 
in  itself,  aside  from  the  principle  on  which  it  was  based,  very  op- 
pressive. 

8.  Though  the  act  passed  the  House  of  Lords  in  Great  Britain  unani- 
mously, it  met  with  opposition  in  the  House  of  Commons.  Colonel 
Bar'-re,  in  particular,  spoke  against  it  with  great  warmth  and  eloquence. 
And  when  the  question  was  put,  whether  or  not  it  should  he  passed, 
fifty  members  out  of  three  hundred  were  against  it. 


PATRICK  HENRY. 


Chap.  LXXYI. — 1.  What  was  done  in  1765?  2.  What  was  the  result  of  this  act?  3. 
What  of  Colonel  Barre  ? 


168 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  It  is  also  worthy  of  note  that,  while  the  act  was  thus  under  de- 
bate, Dr.  Franklin,  who  was  then  in  London,  and  much  respected  for 
his  good  sense,  was  sent  for  and  consulted.  He  told  them  plainly 
the  Americans  would  never  submit  to  it.  After  the  act  passed,  he 
wrote  to  a friend:  “ The  sun  of  liberty  is  set.  The  Americans  must 
now  light  the  torches  of  industry  and  economy.” 

5.  But  the  opposition  the  stamp  act  had  met  with  in  England  was 
as  nothing  compared  to  the  resistance  it  was  destined  to  meet  with  in 
the  colonies.* *  A general  hurst  of  indignation  pervaded  the  country, 
and  most  of  the  legislative  assemblies  passed  resolves,  and  some  of  them 
‘protests^  against  it.  Howhere,  however,  was  more  spirit  manifested 
on  the  subject  than  in  Virginia. 

6.  The  assembly  of  this  colony  having  met  soon  after  the  news  of 
the  stamp  act  arrived,  a series  of  resolutions,  strongly  expressive  of 
disapprobation,  was  introduced,  which  occasioned  a warm  debate  and 
some  very  hard  words.  It  was  on  this  occasion  that  Patrick  Henry, 
then  quite  a young  man,  by  a hold  remark  of  his,  gave  an  impulse  that 
was  felt  from  one  end  of  the  continent  to  the  other. 

Y.  He  had  been  asserting  that  the  British  king  had  acted  the  part 
of  a tyrant.  Then,  alluding  to  the  fate  of  other  tyrants,  he  observed, 
“Caesar  had  his  Brutus,  Charles  I.  his  Cromwell,  and  George  HI. 

” Here  he  paused ; upon  which  the  cry  of  “ Treason ! treason !” 

being  raised  in  the  house,  he  only  added,  '‘''may  profit  ly  their  exam- 
ple! If  that  be  treason,  make  the  most  of  it.” 

8.  A Congress  of  the  colonies  having  been  recommended  by  Massa- 
chusetts, one  was  accordingly  convened  in  Hew  York,  in  October.  It 
consisted  of  three  members  from  each  of  the  colonies  of  Massachu- 
setts, Khode  Island,  Connecticut,  Hew  York,  Hew  Jersey,  Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware,  Maryland,  and  South  Carolina.  They  remonstrated 
against  the  stamp  act,  and  drew  up  a declaration  of  their  rights,  de- 
claring taxation  and  representation  to  he  inseparable. 

9.  But  the  public  disapprobation  was  expressed  in  another  way. 
The  people  had  burned,  or  reshipped,  or  hid,  the  stamped  paper  already 
in  the  colonies,  so  that  on  the  day  in  which  the  act  went  into  opera- 
tion, little,  if  any,  could  he  found.  They  would  not  even  receive  the 
Canadian  gazettes,  because  they  were  on  stamped  paper.  Such  a 
course  was  indeed  equivalent  to  the  suspension  of  nearly  all  business, 
but  it  was  resolutely  persevered  in. 


4.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  Franklin.  5.  What  effect  had  the  stamp  act  in  the  colonies? 
6.  What  resolutions  were  passed  ? What  of  Patrick  Henry  ? 7.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  him. 
8.  What  of  a congress  of  the  colonies  ? 9.  How  was  disapprobation  otherwise  expressed  ? 

* Massachusetts  had  passed  a stamp  act  of  her  own,  in  1759,  which  included  even  news* 
papers ; but  she  was  not  willing  to  be  taxed  by  the  British  government. 


SOCIETIES  AND  MOBS. 


1I5!> 


CHAPTER  LXXVII. 

Newspapers^  Societies  and  Mohs. 

1.  Newspapers  had  as  great  an  influence  on  the  public  mind,  in  pro- 
portion to  their  number,  in  1765,  as  now,  and  perhaps  even  greater. 
These  continued  to  be  published,  though  on  inferior  paper.  They 
were,  as  with  one  voice,  clamorous  against  the  stamp  act,  and  severe 
in  their  denunciations  of  those  who  were  friendly  to  it. 

2.  Societies  in  great  numbers  were  formed  during  this  year,  of  those 
who  were  determined  to  unite  in  resisting  parliamentary  oppression. 
They  called  themselves  “ Sons  of  Liberty.”  They  w^ere  particularly 
numerous  in  New  York,  Connecticut,  and  Massachusetts.  Toward  the 
close  of  the  year,  these  associations,  in  the  several  colonies,  became 
united  by  a kind  of  national  compact. 

3.  Societies  of  quite  another  kind  were  also  formed.  Lr.  Franklin 
had  advised  the  people  to  “ liglit  the  lamps  of  industry  and  economy.” 
These,  therefore,  embraced  persons  of  all  ages  and  of  both  sexes,  who 
were  more  willing  to  do  without  luxuries,  and  live  by  their  own  in- 
dustry, than  to  depend  on  Great  Britain. 

4.  Instead  of  wearing  imported  cloth,  the  more  wealthy  people  were 
Boon  seen  in  dresses  of  their  own  manufacture;  and  for  fear  there 
might  not  be  wool  enough  for  their  purpose,  the  use  of  sheep  for  food 
was  discouraged.  The  most  fashionable  people  could  now  card,  spin, 
and  weave  their  own  cloth,  and  deny  themselves  the  use  of  all  foreign 
luxuries. 

5.  Nor  were  these  resolutions  and  changes  in  modes  of  living,  con- 
flned  to  cities  and  towns,  and  to  the  more  wealthy.  Close  economy 
became  the  order  of  the  day.  Multitudes  of  artisans  and  manufac- 
turers in  England  were  left  without  employment,  as  the  consequence 
of  the  diminished  sale  of  their  productions  in  the  colonies ; and  Great 
Britain  everywhere  began  to  feel  the  consequences  of  her  folly. 

6.  Meanwhile,  mobs  began  to  be  got  up  in  the  colonies.  In  August, 
two  images,  called  effigies^  were  found  hanging  on  the  branch  of  an  old 
elm  tree,  near  the  southern  limits  of  Boston.  One  represented  a stamp 
officer.  There  was  a great  jack-boot  also,  out  of  which  rose  a horned 
head,  which  seemed  to  gaze  around.  Multitudes  cd»llected  from  all 
parts  to  witness  the  strange  sight. 


Chap.  L.XXVIT.— 1.  Whj},t  of  newspapers  in  lTf^5?  2.  Societies?  8.  Other  societies? 
4.  What  was  done  by  the  more  wealthy  people?  5.  Describe  other  changes  in  the  modes 
of  living.  6.  Describe  the  effigies  in  Boston. 

16 


170 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


7.  This,  however,  was  but*  the  beginning  of  mobs  and  mob  law. 
About  dark  the  same  day,  the  effigies  in  Boston  were  taken  down, 
placed  on  a bier,  and  carried  about  the  city  in  solemn  procession.  The 
mob  followed,  shouting  aloud,  ‘‘Liberty  and  property  forever,  and  no 
stamps!” 

8.  After  passing  through  several  of  the  principal  streets,  they  halted 
at  a building  belonging  to  one  Oliver,  a stamp  officer,  which  they  sup- 
posed to  be  intended  for  a stamp  office,  and  having  demolished  it, 
carried  the  wood  through  the  streets,  with  a tremendous  noise,  to 
the  dwelling  of  Mr.  Oliver;  where,  having  gone  through  the  cere- 
mony of  cutting  off  his  head,  in  effigy,  they  finished  by  breaking  his 
windows. 

9.  They  then  marched  up  Fort  Hill,  still  following  the  two  figures, 
jack-boots,  horns,  and  all.  Here  they  kindled  a bonfire  with  them, 
returned  to  Oliver’s  house  with  clubs  and  staves,  and  destroyed  his 
gardens,  fences,  and  out-houses.  Oliver  fled.  They  then  broke  open 
his  doors,  and  destroyed  much  of  his  furniture.  The  next  day,  Mr. 
Oliver  gave  notice  that  he  would  not  serve  as  a stamp  officer ; upon 
which  the  farce  ended. 

10.  These  riotous  acts,  or  those  which  were  similar,  were  repeated 
in  Boston  and  elsewhere  throughout  New  England,  and  even  in  New 
York,  Maryland,  and  the  Garolinas.  At  Newport  and  New  York,  the 
effigies  of  various  political  characters  who  were  disliked  were  dragged 
about,  hanged,  burned,  etc. ; and,  in  a few  instances,  houses  were 
plundered. 


CHAPTEK  LXXYIII. 

Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act 

1.  The  king  and  parliament  of  Great  Britain  finally  saw  their  error, 
but  they  were  too  proud  to  retrace  their  steps  by  repealing  the  of- 
fensive law.  However,  something  must  be  done  to  quiet  the  colonies; 
and  this  became,  at  the  opening  of  the  parliament  in  1766,  a leading 
object  of  inquiry. 

2.  Dr.  Franklin  was  again  consulted  on  the  subject.  He  did  not 
assume  an  air  of  triumph,  and  say,  “I  told  you  all  this  would  happen.’' 
He  knew  too  well  the  weakness  and  folly  of  human  nature,  even  in 
members  of  parliament.  He  only  repeated  what  he  had  before  said, 
“ That,  though  the  Americans  were  a reasonable  people,  they  would 


7.  What  more  was  done  by  tho  mpl)?  8,  9.  Describe  the  procession.  10.  What  took 
place  in  New  England  and  elsewhere  ? 

LXX  V^ijI.— I*  ^hat  of  the  h|pg  and  p^rliamept  ? 2.  What  of  Dr.  Franklin  ? 


REPEAL  OF  THE  STAMP  ACT. 


171 


never  submit  to  taxation  of  any  kind  without  representation,  unless 

compelled  to  do  so  by  mere 
force  of  arms.” 

3.  Fortunately  for  Great 
Britain,  as  well  as  America, 
there  had  been  about  this 
time  a change  in  the  admin- 
istration, and  the  repeal 
of  the  stamp  act  had  be- 
come, at  length,  a subject 
of  earnest  and  deep  con- 
sideration. And  though 
there  was  great  and  even 
obstinate  opposition  to  its 
repeal,  the  measure  was  at 
length  carried. 

4.  The  repeal  of  the  act 
was  hailed  with  universal 

joy.  The  American  merchants  in  London  were  among  the  first  to  tes- 
tify their  gratitude.  The  ships  lying  in  the  river  Thames  displayed 
their  colors.  The  houses  of  the  city  were  lighted  up,  cannon  fired, 
bonfires  kindled,  and  messengers  sent  to  spread  the  news,  as  fast  as 
possible,  in  England  and  America. 

5.  But  it  was  in  America  that  the  tidings  were  received  with  joy  the 

most  heartfelt  and  sincere.  The 
general  assemblies  of  Massachu- 
setts and  Virginia  went  so  far  as 
to  vote  thanks  to  Mr.  Pitt  and 
the  other  members  of  parliament 
who  had  done  so  much  to  efifect 
a repeal ; and  in  Virginia  it  was 
proposed  to  erect  a statue  to  the 
king.  Mr.  Pitt,  Colonel  Barre,  and 
Edmund  Burke,  wlio  had  favored 
our  cause  in  parliament,  received 
the  thanks  of  the  people,  and 
Charles  Grenville,  who  had  op- 
posed it  with  great  ability,  ex- 
cited general  feelings  of  indigna- 
tion. 


LDAIUND  BURKE. 


3.  Was  the  stamp  act  repealed  ? 4.  How  was  the  joy  of  the  Americans  ic.  London  ex' 
pressed  on  account  of  the  repeal  ? 5.  What  was  done  in  America  f 


1T2 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


6.  There  was  one  drawback  upon  the  general  joy  ; for,  at  the  time 
of  voting  for  the  repeal  of  tlie  stamp  act,  parliament  also  voted  tliat 
they  had  a right  to  tax  America  whenever  they  should  think  it  ex- 
pedient. This,  of  course,  was  an  adherence  to  the  general  principle 
against  which  the  colonists  had  been  all  along  contending. 

7.  Well  had  it  been,  no  doubt,  for  the  mother  country  had  she 
stopped  here ; and  though  the  right  to  tax  America  had  been  asserted, 
refrained  from  any  other  offensive  or  oppressive  acts.  But  Providence 
had  not  designed — so  it  would  seem — that  the  colonies  should  always 
remain  the  subjects  of  a monarch  three  thousand  miles  distant;  and 
the  hour  of  separation  was  rapidly  approaching. 


CHAPTEE  LXXIX. 

George  III, — More  Taxation, — Petitions,,  Circulars,^  Re- 
monstrances,— The  British  Custom-House  Officers  Mob- 
bed in  Boston, 

1.  On  the  29th  of  June,  1767,  the  king,  George  III.* *  signed  another 
act,  which  involved  the  principle  of  taxation  without  representation, 
and  as  applied,  in  its  worst  features.  It  required  a duty,  to  be  paid  by 
the  colonists,  on  all  paper,  glass,  pamters’  colors,  and  tea,  which  were 
imported  into  the  country. 

2.  The  people  of  America  did  not  hesitate  to  pronounce  this  act  as 
unjust  as  the  sugar  and  stamp  act  had  been.  It  was  not  that  they  were 
too  poor  to  pay  a small  tax  on  such  articles  as  these,  but  if  the  crown 
could  tax  them  without  their  consent  in  one  way,  it  could  in  another; 
and  where  was  the  matter  to  end  ? 

3.  The  British,  it  is  true,  reasoned  otherwise.  Their  finances,  they 
said,  were  exhausted  by  a war  for  the  support  of  the  colonies,  and 
which  had  cost  them  nearly  four  hundred  millions  of  dollars.  It  was, 
therefore,  not  only  right  that  the  Americans  should  contribute  toward 
paying  its  expenses,  but  extremely  ungrateful  for  them  to  refuse.  They 
had  taxed  themselves  severely  on  cider,  ale,  beer,  porter,  tea,  sugar,  cof- 
fee, molasses,  etc.,  and  why  could  not  the  colonies  pay  something  also  ? 

4.  And  as  to  taxation  without  representation,  the  British  said  that 
the  colonies  had  taxed  themselves,  most  heavily,  and  without  being  rep- 
resented in  parliament.  They  were  not  represented  when  Massachu- 

6.  What  was  still  to  be  lamented? 

Chap.  LXXIX. — 1.  What  was  done  in  1767  ? What  of  George  III.  as  to  his  reign,  age, 
etc.  ? 2.  What  of  the  people  of  America?  8,  4.  What  was  urged  by  the  British? 

* George  III-  came  to  the  throne  of  Great  Brita  n in  1760,  and  died  in  1S20,  aged  eighty- 
iwo.  For  seven  years  before  his  death  he  was  insane,  and  his  son,  afterward  George  IV . 
was  regent 


MORE  TAXATION. 


173 

setts  paid  two  millions  of  dollars  for  the  supptM-t  of  one  French  war, 
and  furnished  twenty  thousand  to  thirty  thousand  troops;  why  did 
they  not  complain  then  ? This  reasoning,  however,  did  not  satisfy  the 
colonists. 

5.  But  the  tax  on  paper,  glass,  tea,  etc.,  was  not  alone.  A law  was 
passed  which  obliged  the  several  American  legislatures  to  provide 
quarters  for  the  British  troops,  and  furnish  them  with  fuel,  lodging, 
candles,  and  other  necessaries,  at  the  expense  of  the  colonies.  This  act 
was  little  less  odious  than  the  former. 

6.  Kew  York,  it  is  true,  so  far  yielded  as  to  make  partial  provision 
for  the  troops  about  to  be  quartered  there.  The  assembly,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  governor,  voted  to  furnish  barracks,  fire-wood,  candles, 
and  beds ; but  not  salt,  vinegar,  cider,  and  beer,  as  the  law  demanded. 
They,  however,  finally  furnished  the  whole. 

7.  Still  more  than  all  this : an  act  passed  the  parliament,  esfablish- 
ing  a custom-house  and  board  of  commissioners  in  America.  The 
duties  were  to  commence  November  20 ; and  early  in  that  month  three 
of  the  commissioners  arrived  at  Boston.  The  colonists,  believing  this 
board  was  created  to  enforce  payment  of  the  new  duties,  were  more 
Inflamed  than  ever. 

8.  Beside,  the  duties  collected  were  to  be  applied  in  paying  the 
salaries  of  governors,  judges,  and  other  officers ; and  it  was  easy  to 
see  that  if  they  were  paid  in  this  way,  rather  than  by  the  general 
assembly,  they  would  not  be  so  likely  to  regard  the  interest  of  the 
people  whom  they  served,  and  would  be  more  apt  to  be  the  mere  tools 
of  the  king  and  parliament. 

9.  The  consequences  were,  resolves,  petitions,  and  remonstrances 
from  all  parts  of  the  country.  In  1768,  the  legislature  of  Massachu- 
setts voted  a humble  petition  to  the  king  on  the  subject.  This  was 
followed  by  a circular  letter  to  the  representatives  and  -burgesses  of  the 
other  colonies,  requesting  them  to  unite  in  some  suitable  measures  for 
obtaining  a redress  of  their  grievances. 

10.  This  circular  and  the  petition  to  the  king,  by  Massachusetts, 
gave  great  offence  to  the  British  administration,  and  they  demanded 
of  the  colonies  that  they  should  retrace  the  steps  they  had  taken,  and 
crush  in  the  bud  the  rising  propensity  among  them  to  act  in  concert. 
To  this  end,  they,  in  their  turn,  sent  a circular  to  the  colonies.  But  all 
to  no  purpose. 

11.  The  merchants  and  traders  of  Boston  now  entered  into  a com- 
pact, by  which  they  agreed  not  to  import,  for  one  year,  any  kind  of 


5.  What  other  law  was  passed  ? 0 What  of  New  York  ? The  assembly?  7 What  act  was 
passed  by  Parliament?  What  effect  was  produced  on  the  colonies?  8 What  of  i.he  da- 
llies collected?  9,  What  was  done  in  1768?  10  What  did  the  British  parliament  demand ^ 

16* 


174  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

goods  or  merchandise  from  Great  Britain^  except  a few  articles  which 
they  specified ; nor  to  purchase  British  articles  of  the  same  kind  from 
other  colonies  or  nations  which  had  procured  them  from  England. 

12.  But  there  was  trouble  springing  up  of  another  kind.  The  gov- 
ernment laws  of  trade  had  been  hitherto  greatly  eluded,  but  the  board 
of  commissioners  now  determined  they  should  be  executed.  A sloop, 
laden  with  wine,  from  Madeira  \ma-de6’ -rcb\^  came  into  port.  During 
the  night,  all  the  wine,  except  a few  pipes,  was  unladen  by  government 
officers,  and  put  into  the  public  stores.  The  vessel  was  also  seized,  and 
put  under  a guard. 

13.  These  acts  roused  the  indignation  of  the  Bostonians  more  than 
ever.  A mob  collected  and  proceeded  to  the  houses  of  the  collector 
and  comptroller  of  customs,  broke  the  windows,  dragged  the  collectors 
boat  through  the  streets,  and  finally  burned  it  on  the  common ; and 
some  df  the  custom-house  ofl&cers  narrowly  escaped  with  their  lives. 


CHAPTER  LXXX. 


British  Troops  in  Boston, — Great  Excitement  among  the. 
Colonists, — Proposal  of  the  British  Parliament  to  send 
Americans  to  England  for  trial, — Resolutions  of  North 
Carolina  and  Virginia, 


1.  The  existing  excitement  was  much  heightened  by  the  arrival  in 

the  harbor,  a few 
days  afterwards, 
of  two  regiments 
of  British  troops, 
sent  to  assist  the 
governor  and  the 
other  civil  magis- 
trates of  Boston, 
in  preserving 
peace,  and  to  aid 
the  custom-house 
officers  in  per- 
forming their 
duty.  What  ad- 
ded still  more  to 

BRITISH  TROOPS  IN  BOSTON.  the  pubfic  iudlg- 


H.  What  did  the  merchants  and  traders  of  Boston  now  do?  12.  What  other  trouble  was 
there  ? What  of  the  sloop  laden  with  wine  ? 13.  What  was  done  by  the  mob  in  Boston  ? 
Chap.  LXXX. — 1.  What  of  the  British  troops? 


INDIGNATION  IN  THE  COLONIES.  175 

nation  was  the  fact  that  the  troops  marched  through  the  city,  to  the 
common,  with  muskets  charged  and  with  fixed  bayonets. 

2.  The  selectmen  of  the  town  at  first  refused  to  give  the  soldiers  any 
quarters,  though  they  finally  consented  to  admit  one  regiment  of  them 
into  Faneuil  Hall.  The  next  day,  as  if  in  direct  defiance  of  the  public 
feeling,  the  governor  opened  the  state-house  to  them,  and  they  not 
only  occupied  it,  but  stationed  a guard  with  two  field-pieces  in  front 
of  it. 

3.  This  was  new  to  the  Bostonians.  It  was  quite  as  much  as  they 
could  bear  to  have  a royal  governor  and  foreign  collectors  of  customs 
among  them ; but  to  have  the  king’s  soldiers  and  cannon  about  the 
state-house,  and  fill  the  streets,  even  on  Sunday,  with  the  noise  of 
drums  and  fifes,  was  more  than  their  independent  spirits  could  calmly 
endure. 

4.  It  was  not,  however,  till  the  beginning  of  the  year  1769  that  an 
universal  indignation  was  roused  throughout  the  colonies.  The  feeling 
of  opposition  had  hitherto  been  somewhat  local,  but  the  spirit  of  re- 
sistance had  now  extended  to  every  part  of  the  country. 

5.  The  British  parliament,  in  February,  1769,  had  requested  the  king 
to  give  orders  to  the  governor  of  Massachusetts  to  take  notice  of  such 
persons,  in  his  province,  as  might  be  guilty  of  treason,  and  have  them 
sent  to  England  to  be  tried.  These  orders  were,  doubtless,  to  have 
been  extended  afterward  to  the  governors  of  the  other  colonies. 

6.  Ko  measure  could  have  been  adopted  by  the  parent  country,  more 
likely  to  alienate  the  feelings  of  her  American  subjects  than  this.  To 
be  liable  to  be  torn  from  their  own  land  to  be  tried  by  a jury  of 
strangers,  was  as  repugnant  to  their  feelings  as  it  was  to  the  spirit  of 
the  British  constitution. 

7.  The  house  of  burgesses  of  Virginia,  and  the  general  assembly  of 
iTorth  Carolina,  having  met  a few  days  after  the  arrival  of  this  odious 
intelligence,  passed  a series  of  resolutions,  which  greatly  offended  their 
governors — who,  like  the  governor  of  Massachusetts,  were  royal 
favorites— and  they  forthwith  broke  up  their  deliberations.  But  it 
was  too  late  to  silence  the  people,  and  especially  the  representatives  of 
the  people  in  general  assembly. 

8.  Affairs  proceeded  no  better  in  Massachusetts.  When  their  legis- 
lature met,  in  May,  they  refused  to  transact  business  as  long  as  the 
state-house  was  surrounded  by  an  armed  force.  As  the  governor  was 
unwilling  to  remove  the  troops,  they  adjourned  to  Cambridge,  where. 


2.  What  of  the  selectmen?  The  g:oyernor ? 3.  What  was  the  effect  of  these  move* 
ments  upon  the  Bostonians?  4.  What  was  the  feeling  in  1769?  5.  What  of  the  British 
parliament  in  February,  1769 ? 6.  How  were  the  Americans  affected  by  this  measure? 
T What  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina?  fi.  Massachusetts? 


176 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


after  passing  some  resolutions  which  were  offensive  to  the  governor, 
they  were  dismissed  by  him,  and  sent  home,  as  their  southern  brethren 
had  been. 


CHAPTEE  LXXXL 

Repeal  of  obnoxious  Duties. — The  Boston  Massacre. 

L During  the  session  of  the  British  parliament  in  the  spring  of 
1770,  an  act  was  passed  for  repealing  all  the  duties  w^hich  caused  sc 
much  complaint,  except  that  on  tea.  This  was  continued,  to  show 
that  they  had  not  yielded  the  right  to  impose  taxes,  if  they  chose  to 
exercise  it.  As  might  have  been  expected,  however,  the  colonists  were 
still  dissatisfied. 

2.  The  British  troops  remained  in  Boston,  and  seemed  determined 
to  remain  there,  notwithstanding  the  known  disgust  of  the  citizens  at 
the  idea  of  having  a foreign  force  stationed  among  them.  There  was, 
it  is  true,  for  some  time,  no  open  quarrel,  but  the  citizens  and  soldiers 
were  continually  insulting  each  other. 

3.  Things  could  not  long  remain  thus.  On  the  2d  of  March,  1770, 
as  a soldier  was  going  by  the  shop  of  a rope-maker,  he  w^as  attacked 
and  severely  beaten.  He  ran  off,  but  soon  returned  with  a number  of 
his  comrades,  and  attacked  and  beat  some  of  the  rope-makers. 

4.  The  people  were  now  excited  to  the  highest  pitch.  Between 
seven  and  eight  o’clock  in  the  evening  of  March  5,  a mob  collected, 
armed  with  clubs,  and  proceeded  toward  King-street,  now  State-street, 
crying,  “ Let  us  drive  out  these  rascals — they  have  no  business  here — 
drive  them  out!  Drive  out  the  rascals!”  Meanwhile,  there  was  a cry 
that  the  town  had  been  set  on  fire. 

5.  The  bells  rang,  and  the  throng  became  still  greater,  and  moi-e 
tumultuous.  They  rushed  furiously  to  the  custom-house,  and  seeing 
an  English  sentinel  there,  shouted,  “ Kill  him ! kill  him !” — at  the  same 
time  attacking  him  with  pieces  of  ice  and  whatever  they  could  find. 
The  sentinel  called  for  the  rest  of  the  guard,  and  a few  of  them  came 
forward. 

6.  The  guard  now  marched  out  with  their  guns  loaded.  They  met  a 
great  crowd  of  people,  led  on  by  a gigantic  negro,  named  Attacks.  They 
brandished  their  clubs  and  pelted  the  soldiers  with  snowballs,  abusing 
them  with  harsh  words,  shouting  in  their  faces,  and  even  challenging 


Chap.  LXXXL —1.  What  act  was  passed  in  1770?  2.  What  of  the  British  troops? 
3.  What  took  place  in  March,  1770?  4.  What  of  a mob  on  March  5?  5-8.  Describe  th© 
fight  between  the  people  and  the  seldiers. 


THE  BOSTON  MASSACRE.  177 

them  to  fire.  They  even  rushed  .close  upon  the  very  points  of  their 
bayonets. 

7.  The  soldiers  stood  awhile  like  statues,  tho  bells  ringing  and  the 
mob  pressing  upon  them.  At  last,  Attucks,  with  twelve  of  his  men, 
began  to  strike  upon  their  muskets  with  clubs,  and  to  cry  out  to  the 
mob,  “Don’t  be  afraid — they  dare  not  fire — the  miserable  cowards — 
kill  the  rascals — crush  them  underfoot!” 

8.  Attucks  now  lifted  his  arm  against  the  captain  of  the  guard,  and 
seized  hold  of  a bayonet.  “ They  dare  not  fire!”  shouted  the  mob 
again.  At  this  instant  the  firing  began.  Attucks  dropped  dead  im- 
mediately. The  soldiers  fired  twice  more,  and  two  others  were  killed 
and  others  still  wounded.  The  mob  dispersed,  but  soon  returned  to 
carry  off  the  bodies. 

9.  The  whole  town  was  now  in  an  uproar.  Thousands  of  men, 
women,  and  children  rushed  through  the  streets.  The  sound  of  drums, 
and  cries  of  “To  arms!  to  arms!”  were  heard  from  all  quarters.  The 
soldiers  who  had  fired  on  the  people  were  arrested,  and  the  governor 
at  last  persuaded  the  mob  to  disperse  and  go  quietly  to  their  homes. 

10.  The  next  morning,  the  troops  in  the  city  were  ordered  off  to 
Castle  William,  one  of  the  city  fortifications.  On  the  8th  of  March, 
the  three  slain  citizens  were  buried.  The  shops  were  all  closed  during 
the  ceremony,  and  the  bells  in  Boston  and  the  adjoining  towns  were 
all  the  while  tolling.  An  immense  procession  followed  to  the  church- 
yard. 

11.  The  soldiers  were  soon  afterward  tried.  Two  of  them  were 
condemned  and  imprisoned,  and  six  of  them  w^ere  acquitted.  John 
Adams  and  Josiah  Quincy,  eminent  lawyers,  pleaded  their  cause.  The 
mob  would  have  torn  them  in  pieces  if  they  could  have  had  their  own 
way,  for  mobs  are  seldom  just  or  reasonable. 

12.  There  is  no  doubt  that  in  most  of  these  transactions  the  mob 
were  in  the  wrong ; the  source  of  the  mischief  lay,  however,  in  the 
fact  that  the  British  government  insisted  upon  keeping  an  army  among 
a people  outraged  by  a series  of  unjust  and  irritating  laws.  This  con- 
duct showed  that  the  king  and  parliament  of  Great  Britain  intended 
to  compel  the  colonists  to  submission  by  force  of  arms,  and  not  to 
govern  them  by  fair  and  proper  legislation. 


9.  What  was  the  state  of  the  town  ? What  of  the  governor?  10.  What  was  done  the 
next  day?  Describe  the  funeral.  11.  What  of  the  soldiers?  Who  pleaded  for  them? 
12.  ,W ere  the  mobs  in  these  affairs  right  or  wrong?  What  was  the  real  source  of  the  diffi' 
culty? 

8* 


178 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  LXXXII. 

Continuation  of  Difficulties. — The  Regulators  of  North 
Carolina. — Burning  of  the  Oasjoee. — Appointment  of 
Committees  of  Correspondence. 

1.  Foe  a year  or  two,  things  went  on  somewhat  better  than  before, 
though  not  by  any  means  quietly.  The  merchants  began  again  to  buy 
English  goods,  except  tea,  which  they  would  have  nothing  to  do  with. 
Associations  were  even  formed  in  many  parts  of  the  country,  the 
parties  pledging  themselves  not  to  use  it. 

2.  The  revenue  officers  continued  to  he  despised,  and,  as  much  as 
possible,  treated  with  contempt.  In  the  year  1771,  one  of  them,  in 
Boston,  had  undertaken  to  seize  a vessel  for  some  violation  of  the  law, 
when  he  was  taken  by  the  mob,  stripped  naked,  carted  through  the 
city,  and  tarred  and  feathered. 

3.  There  was,  the  same  year,  an  insurrection  in  North  Carolina.  A 
body  of  the  inhabitants,  to  the  number  of  fifteen  hundred,  under  the 
name  of  Regulators^  rose  against  law,  order,  and  government,  and 
against  all  lawyers  and  officers  of  government.  Governor  Tryon 
marched  against  them,  killed  three  hundred,  and  took  some  prisoners. 
A number  of  them  were  tried  for  high  treason  and  executed. 

4.  But  one  of  the  most  startling  events  of  this  period  took  place  at 
Khode  Island,  in  the  year  1772.  The  Gaspee,  a British  armed  schooner? 
had  been  lying  for  some  time  at  Providence,  to  sustain  the  laws  re- 
specting trade.  The  Rhode  Island  people,  many  of  them,  hated  her, 
and  only  waited  for  a favorable  opportunity  for  giving  vent  to  their 
indignation. 

5.  Such  an  opportunity  soon  occurred.  The  Gaspee  was  accustomed 

to  require  the  Providence  vessels  to  take  down  their  colors  on  their 
arrival,  and  to  fire  on  them  and  chase  them  into  port,  if  they  refused. 
One  day,  as  a packet  was  coming  in  with  passengers,  she  refused  to 
lower  her  colors ; upon  which  the  Gaspee  gave  chase  to  her,  and  in  the 
chase  ran  aground.  * 

6.  This  was  just  what  the  packet  desired,  and  she  had,  in  fact, 
manoeuvred  for  this  purpose.  On  arriving  at  the  city,  a plan  was  laid 
to  destroy  the  schooner.  A volunteer  company  of  soldiers  was  soon 
enlisted  under  Captain  Wipple,  and  several  boats,  with  armed  men, 
prepared  for  the  service. 


Chap.  LXXXII. — 1.  What  of  the  merchants  in  America?  2.  What  of  the  revenue 
officers?  3.  What  of  the  Regulators  of  North  Carolina?  4,  5.  Relate  what  took  place 
between  the  Gaspee  and  the  packet.  6.  What  plan  was  laid  ? 


BURNING  OF  THE  GASPEE. 


179 


7.  About  two  o’clock,  the  next  morning,  the  party  found  means  to  get 
on  board  the  Gaspee.  After  sending  the  lieutenant,  with  his  more  valu- 
able effects,  together  with  the  crew,  on  shore,  they  burned  the  schooner, 
with  all  her  stores.  The  lieutenant,  in  a conflict,  while  they  were  board- 
ing the  Gaspee,  was  wounded,  but  no  one  was  otherwise  injured. 

8.  Great  pains  were  taken  by  the  officers  of  the  British  government 
to  discover  and  punish  these  ofienders  against  the  royal  authority. 
Among  other  measures,  a reward  of  five  hundred  pounds  sterling  was 
offered.  Commissioners  were  also  appointed  to  hear  and  try  the  cause. 
No  discovery,  however,  was  made. 

9.  At  a town-meeting  in  Boston,  this  year,  a Committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  lay  before  the  several  towns  in  the  provinces,  as  well  as 
before  the  world,  the  views  of  the  people  respecting  their  own  rights 
in  relation  to  the  parent  country.  Virginia  came  into  the  measure  in 
the  year  1773,  and  recommended  the  plan  to  the  other  colonies.  Com- 
mittees of  Correspondence  were  appointed,  which  kept  up  an  inter- 
change of  opinions  between  the  colonies,  and  laid  the  basis  of  their 
final  union. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIII. 

The  Tea  thrown  Overboard, 


1.  A BILL  was  passed  by  the  British  parli'anxent,  in  1773,  allowing 

tlhje  Ea3t  India 
Company  to  ex- 
port th^ir  teas  to 
America  without 
the  duties  paid 
in  England.  As 
this  would  make 
tea  actually 
cheaper  in  Ame- 
rica than  inGreat 
Britain,  it  was 
thought  that  the 
colonies  would 
willingly  pay  the 
small  duty  thus 

THROWING  OVER  THE  TEA.  demanded  of 


them,  it  being  only  three  pence,  or  six  cents  a pound. 


7.  What  success  had  the  assailants?  8 What  was  done  by  the  British  government f 
9.  What  took  place  in  Boston  ? Virginia?  What  of  Committees  of  Correspondence  ? 
Chap.  LXXXIII. — 1.  What  was  done  by  the  parliament  in  1773? 


j80  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

2.  Large  ships  were  accordingly  loaded  with  tea,  and  sent  ont  to 
America.  When  they  arrived,  however,  not  a man  could  be  found  to 
receive  the  tea,  or  have  any  thing  to  do  with  it.  A few  chests,  which 
some  individual  had  brought  to  Philadelphia,  were  let  down  very 
quietly  into  the  water  by  a band  of  persons  who  went  slyly  on  board  for 
that  purpose, 

3.  The  East  India  Company,  confident  of  finding  a market  for  their 
tea,  reduced  as  it  now  was  in  its  price,  freighted  several  ships  with  it 
to  the  colonies,  and  appointed  agents  for  its  disposal.  Some  cargoes 
were  sent  to  Kew  York,  some  to  Philadelphia,  some  to  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  and  three  to  Boston. 

4.  The  inhabitants  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  sent  the  tea  which 
came  to  them  back  to  London.  The  people  of  Charleston  unloaded 
theirs,  and  stored  it  in  damp  cellars,  where  it  was  soon  spoiled.  The 
Bostonians  tried  to  send  theirs  back  to  London,  but  could  not  succeed. 
They  would  not,  however,  suffer  it  to  be  landed. 

5.  As  a last  resort,  a town-meeting  was  summoned,  and  it  was 
_;^reed  to  call  on  the  governor  and  make  a formal  request  to  him  that 
the  ships  might  be  sent  off.  But  the  governor  paid  no  attention  to  the 
request.  This  produced  a great  uproar,  and  a man  in  the  gallery, 
dressed  like  an  Indian,  shouted  the  cry  of  War  ! upon  which  the  meet- 
ing was  mstantly  dissolved. 

6.  The  multitude  then  rushed  toward  the  wharf  where  the  tea  ves- 
sels lay.  Here  were  seventeen  sea  captains,  carpenters,  etc.,  dres?;ed 
and  painted  like  Indians.  It  was  now  night,  and  in  the  darkness  they 
went  on  board  the  three  vessels,  and  in  less  than  two  hours  three 
hundred  and  forty  chests  were  staved  and  emptied  into  the  sea.  When 
this  was  done,  the  crowd  dispersed  quietly  to  their  homes. 

7.  An  account  of  these  disturbances  reached  England  early  in  1774, 
but  it  only  incensed  the  government  so  much  the  more  against  the 
colonies,  and  made  them  so  much  the  more  resolute  in  th^  determina- 
tion to  punish*  them  for  their  insolence.  Boston  was  tlie  first  to  feel 
their  vengeance ; and,  in  order  to  destroy  the  trade  of  that  town,  they 
forbade  the  landing  of  any  goods  in  it ; thus  virtually  placing  it  in  a 
state  of  blockade. 

8.  This  last  act  of  parliament  was  called  the  Boston  Fort  Bill,  It 
took  effect  June  1st.  Its  passage  was  a most  unpropitious  event.  Not 
only  in  Boston,  but  throughout  the  country,  there  was  a general  burst 
of  indignation.  Town-meetings  were  held  and  fasts  appointed ; and  a 

2.  Give  an  account  of  the  reception  of  the  tea  in  America.  3.  What  of  the  East  India 
Company?  4.  What  was  done  with  the  tea  by  the  different  towns  ? 5.  What  of  a town- 
meeting in  Boston  ? 6.  What  was  done  by  certain  persons  in  disguise  ? 7.  What  was 

done  by  the  British  government?  8.  What  of  the  Boston  port  bill?  The  League  and 
Covenant 


MEETING  OF  THE  FIRST  CONGRESS.  181 

'^League  and  Covenant^’''  as  it  was  called,  not  to  trade  any  more  with 
England,  was  signed  by  immense  numbers  of  the  citizens. 

9.  General  Gage,  who  had,  in  the  syjring  of  the  year,  been  appointed 
governor  of  Massachusetts,  issued  his  proclamation  against  the  league, 
declf  ring  it  to  be  treasonable ; but  the  Bostonians  only  said,  in  reply, 
that  hfs  proclamation  was  treason,  and  that  all  who  refused  to  sign  the 
league  were  enemies  to  their  country. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIY. 

The  first  Congress  meet  at  Philadelphia  in  1774. 

1.  When  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  met  at  Salem,  in  June  of 
this  year*,  1774,  a meeting  of  committees,  or  delegates,  from  the 
several  colonies  was  proposed,  and  delegates  on  the  part  of  Massachu- 
setts were  selected.  The  other  colonies  fell  in  with  the  measure,  and 
it  was  gradually  adopted,  and  delegates  appointed  from  N’ew  Hampshire 
to  Georgia. 

2.  This  meeting  of  delegates,  or  First  General  Congress  of  the  colo- 
nies, was  opened  September  4,  1774,  at  Philadelphia.  Committees,  or 
delegates,  were  present  from  eleven  of  the  colonies.  Those  from  Horth 
Carolina  did  not  arrive  till  the  14th.  They  chose  Peyton  Kandolph 
president,  and  Charles  Thompson  secretary.  They  also  determined 
that,  in  their  proceedings,  each  colony  should  be  entitled  to  one  vote 
only. 

3.  The  proceedings  of  this  Congress  were  distinguished  for  great 
boldness,  decision,  and  determination.  A Declaration  of  Rights  was 
soon  agreed  upon.  It  was  also  resolved  that  no  goods  should  be  carried 
to  Great  Britain,  nor  any  received  from  that  country.  They  further 
agreed  to  send  a Petition  to  the  king,  an  Address  to  the  British  people, 
and  a Memorial  to  the  inhabitants  of  Canada. 

4.  The  congress  was  in  session  eight  weeks.  Before  it  was  dis- 
solved, another  congress  was  proposed  to  be  held  at  the  same  place  on 
the  10th  of  the  following  May,  “unless  a redress  of  their  grievances 
should  be  previously  obtained;”  to  which  meeting,  or  congress,  all  the 
colonies  were  advised  to  appoint  delegates  as  soon  as  possible. 


9.  What  of  Governor  Gage  ? 

Chap.  LXXXIV. — 1.  What  was  done  at  Salem?  What  measure  was  adopted?  9. 
What  was  done  in  September,  1774?  From  how  many  colonies  were  delegates  present 
at  this  first  General  Congress  ? 3.  What  can  you  say  of  the  proceedings  of  this  con* 
gress  ? 4.  How  long  was  this  congress  fn  session  ? What  was  pi’oposed  ? 

16 


182 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  Concerning  the  proceedings  of  the  first  congress  of  the  united 
colonies,  which  have  been  alluded  to,  we  have  the  testimony  of  Mr. 
Pitt  himself;  the  British  minister,  who  had  read  their  memorial,  ad- 
dress, and  petition,  and  who  would  not  be  apt  to  speak  too  highly  of 
their  character.  It  is  as  follows : 

6.  “ I must  declare  and  avow  that  in  all  my  reading  and  §tudy — 
and  it  has  been  my  favorite  study — I have  read  Thucydides  and  have 
studied  and  admired  the  master  states  of  the  world — that  for  solidity 
of  reasoning,  force  of  sagacity,  and  wisdom  of  conclusion,  under  such 
complication  of  circumstances,  no  nation  or  body  of  men  can  stand  in 
preference  to  the  General  Congress  at  Philadelphia.” 


CHAPTEE  LXXXV. 

The  rising  Spirit  of  Liberty, — The  Boston  Boys,— General 

Gage. 

1.  While  the  king’s  troops  remained  in  Boston,  it  was  curious  to 
watch  the  influence  of  their  presence  on  the  young.  The  boys  of  the 
city  soon  caught  the  spirit  of  opposition  which  burned  in  the  bosoms 
of  their  fathers,  as  will  appear  in  the  following  anecdote : 

2.  The  boys  of  Boston  were,  in  the  winter,  in  the  habit-  of  building, 
for  amusement,  little  hills  of  snow,  and  sliding  them  into  the  pond  on 
the  common.  The  English  soldiers,  merely  to  provoke  them,  beat  down 
these  snow  hills.  The  boys  rebuilt  them.  On  returning  to  them  after 
school,  however,  they  found  them  beaten  down  again. 

3.  Several  of  the  boys  now  waited  upon  the  British  captain  and  in- 
formed him  of  the  conduct  of  his  soldiers.  But  the  captain  only  made 
light  of  it ; the  soldiers  perceiving  this,  became  more  troublesome  to 
the  boys  than  they  were  before. 

4.  At  last  they  called  a meeting  of  the  largest  boys,  and  sent  them 
to  General  Gage,  the  commander-in-chief.  He  asked  why  so  many 
children  had  called  upon  him.  “We  come,  sir,”  said  the  tallest  boy, 
“to  demand  satisfaction.”  “What!”  said  the  general,  “have  your 
fathers  been  teaching  yon  rebellion,  and  sent  you  to  exhibit  it  here  ?” 

5.  “Hobody  sent  us,  sir,”  answered  the  boy,  while  his  cheek  red- 
dened and  his  eye  flashed.  “We  have  never  injured  or  insulted  your 
troops ; but  they  have  trodden  down  our  snow  hills,  and  broken  the 
ice  on  our  skating-ground.  We  complained,  and  they  called  us  young 


5,  6.  What  was  Pitt’s  opinion  of  the  first  congress  held  at  Philadelphia? 

Chap.  LXXXV. — 1.  Were  the  boys  of  Boston  influenced  by  the  feelings  of  their 
fathers?  2-6  Relate  the  anecdote  of  the  boys  and  the  English  soldiers. 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  WAR. 


183 


rebels,  and  told  ns  to  help  ourselves  if  we  could.  We  told  the  captain 
of  this,  and  he  laughed  at  us.  Yesterday  our  works  were  destroyed 
the  third  time,  and  we  will  bear  it  no  longer.” 

6.  General  Gage  looked  at  them  a moment  in  silent  admiration,  and 
then  said  to  an  officer  at  his  side,  “ The  very  children  here  draw  in  a love 
of  liberty  with  the  air  they  breathe.  You  may  go,  my  brave  boys; 
and  be  assured,  if  my  troops  trouble  you  again,  they  shall  be  punished.” 


CHAPTEE  LXXXYI. 

Period  of  the  Eetolutionary  War. — Prepa/rations  for 
War, — The  Massachusetts  Provincial  Congress, — Sim- 
ilar Assernhlies  in  other  Colonies, — Dr,  Franklin  re- 
moved from  the  office  of  Postmaster-General, 

1.  That  period  in  our  history  which  is  called  the  American  Revolu- 


BRITISH  GENERAL. 


tion^  is  generally  regarded  as 
beginning  with  the  Battle  of 
Lexington,  in  which,  for  the 
first  time,  the  people  openly 
met  and  resisted  the  British 
troops.  This  occurred  in 
April,  1775,  and  the  war  thus 
begun  was  not  finally  termi- 
nated till  the  peace  of  Septem- 
ber, 1783.  During  this  long 
period  of  more  than  eight 
years,  the  colonies  were  com- 
pelled to  suffer  all  the  trials 
and  miseries  inflicted  by  a 
bloody  contest  with  Great 
Britain,  the  mother  country, 
now  become  as  vindictive  as 
she  was  powerful.  We  shall 
find  this  portion  of  our  his- 
tory  full  of  the  most  remark- 
able and  interesting  events. 

2.  The  symptoms  of  rebel- 
lion became  so  apparent  in  the 


Chap.  LXXXVI. — 1.  What  is  generallyTegarded  as  the  beginning  of  the  American  Eev- 
ilution  ? When  did  the  battle  of  Lexington  take  place  ? How  long  did  the  Revolutionary 
war  continue  ? What  shall  we  find  the  history  of  the  Revolutionary  war  to  be  ? 


184 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


progress  of  the  year  1774,  that  Governor  Gage  began  to  fortify  Bos- 
ton Neck,  as  the  narrow  portion  of  land  which  unites  Boston  with 
Roxbury  and  the  back  country,  was  then  called.  This  being  done,  he 
sent  out  troops,  and  seized  upon  the  powder  magazine  at  Charlestown. 

3.  These  measures  produced  much  excitement  in  Boston  ; to  add  to 
which,  some  evil-minded  person  raised  a report  that  the  British  vessels 
in  the  harbor  had  begun  to  fire  upon  the  town.  Such  an  uproar  ex- 
isted, in  and  about  Boston,  that,  in  a few  hours,  from  twenty  to  thirty 
thousand  men  were  on  their  march  to  the  city.  Finding  their  mistake, 
however,  the^  went  home  again. 

■ * 4.  But  the  public  excitement  was  not  confined  to  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  Boston.  In  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire,  the  col- 
onists seized  upon  the  fort,  though  garrisoned  with  British  tr  ‘OOpo,  tinci 
carried  off  every  gun  and  every  pound  of  powder.  The  people  of  New- 
port, Rhode  Island,  also  took  possession  of  forty  pieces  of  cannon  in 
the  same  way. 

5.  As  Governor  Gage  had  been  unfriendly  to  the  measures  of  the^ 
colonial  assembly,  it  was  determined  by  the  colonists  that  the  legisla^ 
ture  should  meet  in  Concord.  The  meeting  was  resolved  into  a Pro- 
vincial Congress,  and  John  Hancock  was  chosen  its  president.  Here 
measures  were  taken  for  arming  the  whole  province ; twelve  thousand 
men  were  to  be  raised,  and  to  hold  themselves  ready  to  march  at  a 
moment’s  warning. 

6.  A request  was  also  forwarded  by  this  assembly  to  Connecticut, 
New  Hampshire,  and  Rhode  Island,  to  urge  their  co-operation  in  the 
measures  of  the  Massachusetts  congress,  and  to  increase  the  army  of 
‘‘  minute  men” — that  is,  soldiers  ready  to  march  at  a minute’s  notice — 
to  twenty  thousand.  A committee  was  also  appointed  to  correspond 
with  the  inhabitants  of  Canada. 

7.  Another  remarkable  thing  was  done  by  the  congress  at  Concord. 
A circular  letter  was  addressed  to  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  the 
province,  requesting  their  assistance  in  avoiding  that  “ dreadful 
slavery,”  as  they  called  it,  with  which  the  country  was  threatened. 
What  effect  this  letter  had  does  not  appear ; but  it  is  well  known  that 
both  the  ministers  and  lawyers  of  the  states  were,  almost  to  a man, 
among  the  friends  of  liberty. 

8.  A Provincial  Congress,  which  was  held  in  Maryland,  sustained,  by 
its  resolutions  and  measures,  both  the  doings  of  the  general  congress 
at  Philadelphia  and  those  of  the  provincial  congress  at  Concord.  The 

2 What  did  Governor  Gage  do  in  1774  as  to  fortifications?  8.  What  excitement  was 
raised  in  Boston?  4.  What  can  you  say  of  the  people  in  different  places?  5.  What  was 
now  resolved?  What  of  a provincial  Congress?  6.  What  request  was  made  by  the  as- 
sembly ? 7.  What  letter  was  circulated  ? What  is  well  known  ? 8.  What  of  the  provin- 
cial congress  held  in  Maryland  ? 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEXINGTON.  185 

same  spirit  was  manifested  by  the  resolutions  and  acts  of  some  of  the 
other  provinces,  especially  South  Corolina. 

9.  It  was  at  this  juncture  that  Dr.  Franklin  was  removed  from  tl  o 
office  of  Postmaster-General  of  the  British  colonico  of  North  Aincncc. 
The  honest  but  decided  course  he  had  taken,  both  while  residing  in 
England  and  while  at  home  in  Philadelphia,  in  behalf  of  his  country, 
had  offended  the  British  government,  and  they  were  determined  that 
he  should  feel  the  effects  of  their  displeasure. 


CHAPTEK  LXXXVII. 


Pekiod  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
of  Lexington. 

1.  Little  attention  appears  to  have  been  paid  by  the  British  govern- 


ment to  the  actual 
state  of  things  in 
Boston  and  else- 
where. They 
thought  the  colon- 
ists wrong-headed 
and  rebellious,  and 
that  they  must  be 
forced  into  obedi- 
ence. Mr.  Pitt,  in- 
deed, was  wiser ; 
but  his  opinion  was 
disregarded.  They 
passed  an  act  in 
February,  1775,  de- 
BATTLE  OF  LEXINGTON.  clariug  the  Massa- 

chusetts people  to 

be  rebels,  and  another  to  raise  more  troops  and  seamen  for  compelling 
them  to  submission. 

2.  Meanwhile,  the  colonies  were  preparing  for  war.  Among  other 
munitions,  they  had  a great  amount  of  military  stores  in  Boston,  and 
wished  to  remove  them  to  the  country.  To  deceive  the  British  guards, 
they  carried  out  cannon  and  ball  in  carts  covered  with  manure,  powder 
in  market-baskets,  and  cartridges  in  candle-boxes. 


9.  What  of  Dr.  Franklin  ? 


Chap.  LXXXVII. — 1.  What  of  the  British  government?  What  was  done  in  Febniary. 
J775  ? 2.  What  were  the  colonies  now  preparing  to  do  ? What  military  stores  had  they  ? 
16* 


186  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

3.  Nor  was  Governor  Gage  wholly  idle ; he  made  preparation,  too. 
One  day  he  sent  his  soldiers  for  some  cannon  he  had  heard  of  at 
Salem.  As  they  were  returning,  the  people  had  assembled  and  taken 
up  a drawbridge,  and  would  not  let  the  soldiers  pass ; and  had  it  not 
been  for  the  interposition  of  Mr.  Bernard,  a clergyman,  a battle  would 
probably  have  ensued. 

4.  Late  in  the  evening  of  April  18,  Governor  Gage* *  sent  out  eight 
hundred  grenadiers  and  light  infantry  to  destroy  some  military  stores 
at  Lex'-ing-ton  and  Con'-cord — some  twelve  or  fourteen  miles  north- 
west of  Boston.  But,  in  spite  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour  and  the 
secrecy  of  their  movements,  they  were  discovered,  and  a part  of  the 
militia  of  the  country  were  on  the  green  near  the  meeting-house  in 
Lexington,  by  two  o’clock  in  the  morning,  ready  to  defend  the  stores, 
if  necessary. 

5.  At  five  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  the  British  troops, 
with  Major  Pit-cairn'  at  their  head,  came  inarching  into  Lexington. 
‘"Disperse,  you  rebels!”  said  Major  Pitcairn,  with  an  oath,  to  the 
militia;  “throw  down  your  arms,  and  disperse!”  The  order  was  not 
obeyed.  He  then  rode  toward  them,  discharged  his  pistol,  brandished 
his  sword,  and  ordered  his  men  to  fire.  They  fired,  and  three  or  four 
persons  fell  dead. 

6.  The  militia,  upon  this,  began  to  disperse,  but  the  firing  did  not 
cease.  The  British  shouted  and  fired,  while  the  Americans  were  re- 
treating ; and  the  latter  stopped  occasionally  to  return  the  fire.  Sev- 
eral of  the  Americans  were  slain  in  their  retreat,  and  several  others 
wounded.  The  whole  number  of  Americans  killed  was  eight. 

7.  The  British  now  proceeded  to  Concord.  There  they  destroyed 
two  large  cannon,  thre^v  about  five  hundred  pounds  of  ball  into  wells, 
and  staved  sixty  barrels  of  flour.  The  Concord  militia  had  at  first 
assembled  with  hostile  intentions ; but  finding  the  British  too  strong 
for  them,  they  had  retired.  They  were  soon  reinforced,  however,  by 
Major  Buttrick,  and  ordered  on  to  the  attack.  The  British  fired  on 
them  as  they  advanced,  and  killed  two  men. 

8.  A severe  battle  ensued,  in  which  the  British  were  forced  to  re' 
treat  with  some  loss.  They  now  began  to  make  the  best  of  their  way 
back  to  Boston,  for  the  people  were  pouring  in  from  all  parts  of  the 


3.  What  of  Governor  Gage  ? What  passed  between  the  soldiers  and  the  people  ? 4. 
W hat  (lid  Governor  Gage  do  in  April  ? Where  are  Lexington  and  Concord  ? What  of  the 
militia?  6,  6.  Describe  the  meeting  between  Pitcairn  and  the  militia  How  many 
Americans  were  killed ? 7.  What  did  the  British  now  do  ? What  happened  at  Concord? 
i)  Describe  the  battle  and  retreat  of  the  British. 

* Gage  arrived  in  Boston  in  May,  1774,  being  both  governor  of  Massachusetts,  and 
commander-in-chief  of  the  British  forces  in  North  America  He  returned  to  England 
October,  1775,  and  the  command  of  the  army  at  Boston  devolved  upon  General  Howe 


BATTLE  OF  LEXINGTON.  187 

country  toward  Lexington  and  Concord.  There  were  farmers  and 
mechanics,  fathers  and  sons,  side  by  side. 

9.  They  came,  it  is  true,  with  their  own  weapons — many  of  them 
such  as  they  liad  been  accustomed  to  shoot  squirrels  and  other  animals 
with,  and  rather  rusty,  but  they  were  trained  to  the  use  of  them. 
These  they  employed  as  well  as  they  could,  from  behind  barns,  houses, 
sheds,  stone  walls,  and  trees ; and  their  shot  did  execution. 

10.  When  the  British  reached  Lexington  they  met  a reinforcement 
of  nine  hundred  men  from  Boston.  With  this  fresh  aid,  they  were 
able  to  check  the  Americans  for  a short  time,  but  not  long.  The  road 
everywhere  was  beset  by  the  patriots,  and  the  British  were  falling, 
here  and  there,  as  they  proceeded  back  to  Charlestown^  which  they 
reached  about  sunset. 

11.  The  results  of  this  enterprise,  though  no  pitched  battle  had  been 
fought,  were  very  distressing  to  both  parties,  but  especially  to  the 
British.  They  had  sixty -five  killed,  one  hundred  and  eighty  wounded, 
and  twenty-eight  made  prisoners.  During  the  whole  day,  the  Amer- 
icans had  fifty  killed,  thirty-four  w'ounded,  and  some  four  or  five  taken 
prisoners. 

12.  This  series  of  skirmishes,  called  the  Battle  of  Lexington^  was 
the  signal  of  war.  The  news  of  the  event  flew  from  town  to  town, 
and  everywhere  aroused  a spirit  of  resistance.  The  forts,  magazines, 
and  arsenals,  throughout  the  country,  were  instantly  secured  by  the 
colonists,  that  they  might  be  ready  for  use  should  they  become  neces- 
sary. Twelve  years  of  peace  had  not  made  them  forget  all  the  lessons 
they  had  learned  in  the  art  of  'war.  Eegular  forces  were  soon  raised, 
and  money  furnished  for  their  support. 

18.  An  army  of  twenty  thousand  men  was  collected  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Boston  in  a very  short  time.  One  considerable  body  of 
them  came  from  Connecticut,  under  Colonel  Putnam,  an  experienced 
and  valuable  officer.  These  forces  encamped  around  Boston  in  a semi- 
circle, as  if  to  shut  up  the  town  on  every  side  but  the  water. 


9.  What  arms  had  the  colonists?  10.  What  of  the  British?  11.  What  was  the  loss  to 
both  parties?  12.  What  is  the  conflict  called  in  history?  What  was  now  done  by  the 
colonists?  18.  What  army  was  collected?  Who  came  from  Connecticut?  What  of  the 
American  forces? 


# 


188 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  LXXXVm. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Cap- 
ture of  Ticonderoga  and  Crovm  Point. 


1.  No  sooner  was  it  seen  that  a war  with  Great  Britain  was  inevit- 
able, than  the  people  of  Con- 
necticut set  on  foot  a plan  for 
the  capture  of  Crown  Point 
and  Ticonderoga,  forts  on  the 
northern  frontier  wdiich  wt, 
have  had  frequent  occasion 
to  mention.  The  necessity  of 
such  a measure  was  so  obvious 
that  there  was  little  difficulty 
in  raising  both  men  and 
money  ; and  this,  too,  with 
almost  absolute  secrecy. 

2.  Colonel  Ethan  Allen,  a 
brave  man,  who  had  emigrated 
from  Connecticut  to  the  Green 
Mountains  of  Y ermont  a few 
years  before,  and  was  well 
known  there,  was  appointed 
as  the  conductor  of  the  enter- 
prise. As  soon  as  forty  men 
were  raised  in  Connecticut, 
they  were  sent  off  to  Colonel 

ETHAN  ALLEN.  Allen. 

3.  They  met  him  at  Castle, 
ton,  where  he  had  already  collected  two  hundred  and  thirty  men. 
Here  they  were  unexpectedly  joined  by  Benedict  Arnold,  who,  some 
time  afterward,  made  such  a strange  figure  in  American  history.  He 
had  collected  a company  of  volunteers  in  New  Haven,  and  taken  them 
on  to  Boston,  where  he  had  been  commissioned  to  raise  four  hundred 
men  in  Vermont,  or  elsewhere,  and  proceed  against  Ticonderoga. 

4.  Without  waiting  to  raise  more  troops,  they  proceeded  with  their 
little  band  of  two  hundred  and  seventy  to  Ticonderoga,  Allen  being 
first  in  command,  and  Arnold  second.  They  reached  Lake  Champlain, 


Chap.  LXXXVIII. — 1.  What  was  done  by  the  people  of  Connecticut?  2.  What  of 
Colonel  Ethan  Allen?  3.  How  many  men  were  there  at  Castleton  ? What  of  Arnold? 


VERMONT  ANO  ETHAN  ALLEN. 


189 


opposite  Ticonderoga,  May  9.  They  found  some  difficulty  in  obtain- 
ing  boats.  At  length  they  procured  enough  of  these  to  carry  eighty- 
three  men,  who  landed  near  the  garrison,  just  at  dawn  of  day,  undis- 
covered. 

5.  After  a short  contention  wlio  should  go  in  first,  the  two  colonels 
agreed  to  enter  at  the  same  time,  abreast  of  each  other.  A sentinel 
snapped  his  gun  at  them  as  they  entered,  and  then  retreated  to  alarm 
his  sleeping  comrades.  Tlie  American  troops  having  followed  their 
officers,  they  formed  themselves  into  a hollow  square  and  gave  three 
huzzas. 

6.  The  garrison  being  now  roused,  a slight  skirmish  took  place.  The 
British  commander  was  required  to  surrender  the  fort.  “ By  what 
authority?”  he  asked.  ‘‘I  demand  it,”  said  Allen,  “in  the  name  of 
the  Great  Jehovah  and  the  Continental  Congress.”  The  garrison  was 
immediately  given  up,  and  with  it  forty-nine  prisoners,  one  hundred 
and  twenty  cannon,  and  many  valuable  stores.  Thus  Allen  and  his 
enterprising  companions,  acting  by  no  orders  but  their  own,  became 
complete  masters  of  Lake  Champlain. 

7.  The  fort  at  Crown  Point  was  taken  without  difficulty,  it  being 
garrisoned  by  only  thirteen  men.  A sloop  of  war  and  several  pieces 
of  cannon  were  also  seized  at  the  same  time,  together  with  a schooner 
fitted  out  for  service  on  the  lake.  -All  this  was  accomplfshed  too  with- 
out the  loss  of  a single  man. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIX. 

Perioh  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Ver- 
mont and  Ethan  Allen, 

1.  Colonel  Allen,  though  a brave  man,  was  not  always  exemplary 
in  his  language.  Like  many  other  brave  men,  not  only  of  the  Ameri- 
can army,  but  of  almost  all  armies,  he  had  great  defects  of  character. 
His  declaration  to  the  British  officer,  which  we  have  just  mentioned, 
savored  strongly  both  of  profanity  and  untruth. 

2.  He  had  emigrated  to  Vermont,  or  the  Green  Mountains,  as  it 
was  then  called,  while  quite  young.  This  part  of  Hew  England  did 
tiot  begin  to  be  settled  till  1731,  and,  even  for  a long  time  after  was 
considered  as  a part  of  Hew  Hampshire.  A contest  at  length  arose 

4 How  many  men  marched  against  Ticonderoga?  What  lake  did  they  cross  ? How 
many  men  went  to  the  garrison?  5,  How  did  the  colonels  enter?  What  did  the  troops 
do?  6.  Describe  the  surrender  of  the  garrison.  7.  What  of  Crown  Point  ? What  were 
seized  by  the  Americans? 

Chap.  LXXXIX. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  Colonel  Allen?  2.  What  of  Vermont?  What 
contest  arose  between  New  Hampshire  and  New  York? 


190 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


about  it  between  New  Hampshire  and  New  York,  as  we  have  already 
stated,  which  was  adjusted  by  the  king  in  a way  whicli  greatly  dis- 
pleased the  settlers. 

3.  The  consequence  was,  that  a quarrel  took  place  between  Vermont 
and  New  York,  or,  more  properly,  between  Vermont  and  the  crown, 
in  which  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  headed  by  Colonel  Allen,  resisted 
the  officers  of  justice,  as  well  as  the  New  York  militia,  who  were 
called  out  to  sustain  them. 

4.  At  the  period  of  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga,  and  even  somewhat 
later,  Vermont  had  not  so  much  as  even  a territorial  form  of  govern- 
ment. In  1777,  however,  a convention  of  delegates  met  at  Westmin- 
ster, and  declared  themselves  an  independent  state,  by  the  name  of  New 
Connecticut,  though  it  was  afterward  changed  to  Vermont.  They  re- 
mained independent  till  some  time  after  the  end  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  though  they  did  good  service  in  the  cause  of  independence. 

5.  Allen  was  employed  for  a time,  after  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga, 
in  Canada,  in  trying  to  persuade  the  people  of  that  province  to  join 
the  colonies.  Failing  in  this,  he  formed  a plan,  in  the  fall  of  1775, 
in  concert  with  Colonel  Brown,  to  take  Montreal,  but  was  himself 
taken  prisoner,  put  in  irons,  and  sent  to  England. 

6.  On  the  passage,  both  he  and  his  companions  experienced  the 
most  cruel  treatment.  They  were  all,  to  the  number  or  rnlrty-four, 
handcuffed  and  crowded  into  a small  place  in  the  vessel,  not  more  than 
twenty -two  feet  long  and  twenty  wide.  After  an  imprisonment  of  six 
months,  in  England  and  HaT-i-fax,  he  was  sent  to  a prison-ship  in  New 
York.  He  remained  a prisoner  there  about  a year  and  a half. 

7.  Allen,  though  very  daring  and  eccentric,  was  a man  of  humane 
and  tender  feelings.  While  being  carried  from  Halifax  to  New  York, 
a plan  was  laid  by  one  of  the  American  prisoners  to  kill  the  captain, 
but  when  it  was  proposed  to  him,  he  refused  to  join  in  it.  In  an- 
other instance,  the  British,  knowing  him  to  be  a man  of  great  energy, 
attempted  to  bribe  him  to  unite  Vermont,  an  independent  colony, 
with  Canada.  But  money  could  not  buy  him. 

8.  And  yet  it  must  be  confessed  that  he  was  an  open  unbeliever  in 
Christianity.  He  not  only  published  the  first  formal  attack  on  the 
Christian  religion  which  was  ever  written  in  America,  but  he  adopted 
the  notion  that  the  soul  of  man,  after  death,  would  live  again  in  beasts, 
birds,  fishes,  etc.,  with  many  other  notions  still  more  singular. 

9.  It  is  said  that  though  his  wife  was  a pious  woman,  and  taught 

3.  What  quarrel  arose  between  Vermont  and  New  York  ? What  of  the  Green  Moun- 
tain Boys?  4.  What  can  you  say  of  Vermont?  What  was  it  first  called?  5.  IIow  was 
Allen  employed  for  a time?  What  plan  did  he  form  in  1775?  6.  How  were  he  and  his 
companions  treated?  What  afterward  happened  to  Allen?  7.  What  can  you  say  in 
proof  of  Allen’s  kindness  and  integrity  ? 8.  What  was  his  religious  belief? 


BATTLE  OF  BUNKER’S  HILL. 


191 


her  chiklren  the  truths  ot  Christianity,  one  daughter  inclined  to  the 
same  strange  opinions  with  her  father.  When  about  to  die,  she  sent 
word  to  her  father  that  she  wislied  to  converse  with  him.  The  father 
accordingly  came  to  her  bedside. 

10.  “ I am  about  to  die,”  said  she ; “ shall  I believe  in  the  principles 
you  have  taught  me,  or  shall  I believe  in  what  my  mother  has  taught 
.me  ?”  The  father  became  agitated,  his  chin  quivered,  his  whole  frame 
shook,  and,  after  waiting  a few  moments,  he  replied,  ‘‘Believe  what 
your  mother  has  taught  you!”  Allen  died  suddenly  in  1789. 


CHAPTER  XC. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
of  Bmiher^s  Hill, 

i.  We  have  seen  that  soon  after  the  battle  of  Lexington  and  Con 

cord,  Boston  was, 
as  it  were,  invested 
with  American 
troops.  Their  num- 
ber, at  one  time,  is 
said  to  have  been 
about  thirty  thou- 
sand. Their  prin- 
cipal head-quarters 
were  at  Cambridge 
and  Koxbury.  Col- 
onel Putnam  com- 
manded at  the  for- 
mer place,  and  Gen- 
eral Thomas  at  the 

BATTLE  OF  BUKKEB^S  HILL.  DEATH  OF  WARREN.  latter. 

2.  Some  time  in 

May,  Howe,  Clinton,  and  Bur-goyne',  three  British  generals,  arrived  in 
Boston,  with  a reinforcement  of  British  troops.  Governor  Gage  now 
offered  a pardon  to  all  the  rebels,  as  he  still  called  them,  except  J ohn 
Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams,  who  had  been  very  active  in  rousing 
the  people  to  resistance,  if  they  would  lay  down  their  arms  and  be 
peaceable  subjects.  But  as  no  attention  was  paid  to  the  offer,  he  ac- 
tively prepared  for  war. 

9,  10.  Relate  what  passed  between  Allen  and  his  daughter.  When  did  he  die? 

Chap.  XO. — 1.  What  of  the  American  troops  after  the  battle  of  Lexington?  2.  Wha* 
was ^one  in  May,  1775?  What  of  Governor  or  General  Gage?  . 


192 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PLAN  OP  TUB  BATTLE  OF  BUNKEr’s  HILL. 


3.  There  now  began  to  be  skirmishing  between  the  two  armies 
almost  every  day.  The  Americans  concluded  at  length  to  fortify  Dor'- 
ches-ter  ISTeck,  now  South  Boston,  and  occupy  Bun'-ker’s  Hill,  in 
Charlestown.  In  order  to  effect  the  latter  purpose.  Colonel  Pres'-cott 
was  seni,  on  the  16th  of  June,  to  Charlestown,  with  one  thousand 

8.  What  did  the  Americans  conclude  to  do  ? What  of  Colonel  Prescott  ? 

The  teacher  wi  I put  such  questions  here  as  he  deems  n ecessary^  and  e/xplain 
to  the  pupil  that  thedbelish  in  the  engraving  represents  the  Bunkeb  Hill  Monument* 

LATELY  BEARED  ON  THE  SITE  OP  THE  BATTLE. 


BATTLE  OF  BUNKER^S  HILL.  193 

men.  He  left  Cambridge  with  his  troops  about  nine  o’clock  in  the 
evening. *  * 

4.  His  movements  were  so  silent  that  the  British  did  not  discover 
him.  He,  however,  mistook  Breed’s  Hill  for  Bunker’s  Hill,*  and,  with 
Ihs  troops,  ascended  and  began  to  fortify  it.  At  daybreak,  on  the 
morning  of  the  17th,  they  had  thrown  up  an  embankment,  or  redoubt, 
about  eight  rods  square  and  four  feet  high,  on  a spot  which  overlooked 
and^  as  it  were,  commanded  nearly  the  whole  of  Boston. 

5.  As  soon  as  day  dawned,  the  British  saw  what  was  going  on,  and 
began  to  fire  on  them,  both  from  their  batteries  in  the  town  and  from 
t^lieir  vessels.  They  also  established  and  put  in  operation  a formidable 
battery  on  Copp’s  Hill,  on  the  northern  part  of  the  town,  which  threw 
in  among  the  Americans  showers  of  bomb-shells. 

6.  But  all  their  ships  and  batteries  combined  did  not  batter  down 
the  works  of  the  Americans.  They  even  labored  all  the  forenoon  in 
the  midst  of  the  shot  and  the  bomb-shells,  and  by  noon  had  completed 
a breastwork  from  the  redoubt  to  the  bottom  of  the  hill  toward  Mystic 
River,  and,  strange  to  relate,  had  lost  all  this  while  but  a single 
man! 

7.  Finding  he  could  not  dislodge  the  Americans  in  this  way.  Gov- 
ernor Gage,  about  noon,  sent  over  some  of  his  best  troops,  under  Gen- 
erals Howe  and  Pigot,  to  drive  them  from  the  hill.  Having  landed, 
they  w aited  for  a reinforcement,  and  to  mature  their  plan : for  they 
were  not  wholly  without  fears  that  the  Americans  might  be  a little 
too  strong  for  them.  At  length,  they  had  collected  together  about 
three  thousand  men. 

• 8.  The  Americans,  in  the  mean  time,  were  also -reinforced  by  a body 
of  troops,  and  b}^  Generals  Warren,  Pomeroy,  and  Putnam.  The  latter, 
who  had  just  been  made  a brigadier-general,  was  commander-in-chief 
for  the  day.  The  Americans  now  amc  anted  to  about  fifteen  hundred, 
though  most  of  them  were  only  armed  with  muskets  without  bayonets. 

9.  At  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  British  began  to  ascend  the 
hill,  in  face  of  the  Americans.  The  Charlestown  militia  opposed  them 
at  first,  but  soon  retreated.  The  British  now  set  fire  to  Charlestown, 
containing  from  four  to  five  hundred  wooden  buildings.  As  the  wind 
was  high,  the  fire  raged  terribly ; and  the  sight,  though  fearful,  was 
sublime. 


4.  Wliat  did  he  do?  What  mistake  was  made?  How  large  was  the  redoubt  erected 
by  the  Americans  ? 5.  What  was  done  by  the  British?  6.  What  did  the  Americans 
do  in  the  mean  time  ? 7.  What  steps  were  now  taken  by  Governor  Gage  ? 8.  What 

was  the  number  and  condition  of  the  American  forces  ? 9.  What  was  the  first  move- 
ment of  the  British  in  the  attack? 

* What  was  called  Breed’s  Hill,  and  is  thus  named  in  the  plan  at  p.  192,  is  now  called 
Btmker's  and  the  battle  is  historically  known  as  the Battle  of  Bunker's  ITUl'' 

17 


X94 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


10.  The  British  went  slowly  up  the  hill.  It  was  a perilous  hour. 
Thousands  of  people,  on  the  tops  of  the  steeples  and  houses  in  Boston, 
as  well  as  on  the  hills  round  about,  waited,  in  breathless  silence,  to 
know  the  result.  A battle  there  must  be,  as  every  one  foresaw,  prob- 
ably a bloody  one ; and  the  fate  of  the  country  depended,  perhaps,  on 
its  issue. 

11.  But  the  British  were  now  near  the  redoubt,  and  the  Americans 
only  withheld  their  fire  in  compliance  with  the  orders  of  General 
Putnam.  “Do  not  fire  a gun,”  said  he,  “till  you  can  see  the  whites 
of  their  eyes.”  But  even  the  strict  letter  of  this  command  did  not 
require  long  delay.  Such  a tremendous  volley  was  at  last  poured  upon 
the  invaders  in  an  instant,  as  thinned  their  ranks  and  compelled  them 
to  retreat. 

12.  They  soon  rallied,  however,  and  came  on  as  before,  but  were  re- 
pulsed a second  time  with  great  loss,  and  fled  down  the  hill.  The 
green  field  was  covered  with  dead  bodies.  General  Howe  had  not  an 
officer  left  him  on  the  field.  General  Clinton  now  came  over  from 
Copp’s  Hill,  with  new  troops,  and  the  battle  was  renewed  with  more 
spirit  than  ever. 

13.  At  this  critical  moment,  the  powder  of  the  Americans  failed 
them,  and  they  began  to  retreat,  fighting  with  their  muskets,  using 
them  as  clubs.  They  moved  westward  as  far  as  Prospect  Hill, 
where  they  began  to  throw  up  new  works.  The  British,  however, 
were  not  disposed  to  pursue  them — ^nor  had  the  Americans  the  power 
to  drive  them  from  Bunker’s  Hill. 

14.  In  this  hard-fought  battle,  the  3Htish  had  two  hundred  and 
twenty-six  killed,  and  eight  hundred  and  twenty-eight  wounded.  Of- 
the  Americans  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  were  killed,  and  three 
hundred  and  fourteen  wounded  and  missing.  Among  the  slain,  of  the 
Americans,  was  General  Joseph  Warren;  among  the  British,  Major 
Pitcairn,  who  had  made  himself  so  notorious  at  Lexington. 

15.  The  death  of  General  Warren  was  deeply  lamented  by  the 
Americans.  He  was  a physician,  and  greatly  beloved  both  in  his  pro- 
fession and  in  private  life.  He  had  received  the  commission  of  major- 
general  just  three  days  before  the  battle,  and  was  only  thirty-five  years 
of  age.  He  went  into  this  battle  as  a mere  volunteer.  He  was  killed 
almost  instantly  by  a ball  in  the  head,  on  or  near  the  spot  where 
Bunker  Hill  Monument  nov>r  stands. 


10.  Describe  their  ascent  up  the  hill.  11.  What  was  their  reception  ? 12  What  British 
general  now  joined  in  the  attack?  13.  What  unfortunate  occurrence  compelled  the 
Americans  to  retreat?  14.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  British?  Of  the  Americans? 
What  of  General  Warren? 


GENERAL  PUTNAM. 


195 


CHAPTER  XCL 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Gen- 
eral Putnam, 

1.  This  is  a proper  place  to  say  something  more  of  the  principal 
commander* *  of  the  army  of  Bunker’s  Hill — General  Put'-nam,  after- 
ward Major-General  Putnam.  Till  the  French  and  Indian  war  broke 
out  in  1754,  he  was  a farmer  in  Connecticut,  and  nothing  had  occur- 
^ed  in  his  life  worthy  of  much  notice,  except  his  adventure  with  a 
wolf,  which  is  so  familiar  to  every  schoolboy  that  it  need  not  he  related 
here. 

2.  Throughout  the  whole  of  the  French  and  Indian  war,  which  lasted 
»^bout  nine  years,  General  Putnam  was  employed  as  an  officer ; first  as 
^ captain,  afterward  as  a major,  and  still  later  as  a colonel.  Ho  officer 
was  more  bold  or  skilful ; few  were  more  successful  or  more  beloved. 

3.  In  August,  1757,  while  stationed  in  the  northern  part  of  Hew 
York,  he  was  engaged  in  a severe  contest  with  the  French  and  Indians, 
\n  which  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  tied  to  a tree.  The  battle  went 
on,  and,  as  it  turned  out,  Putnam  stood  for  some  time  in  the  hottest 
fire  of  both  parties.  Many  balls  lodged  in  the  tree  near  him,  and  some 
pierced  his  clothes. 

4.  But  he  was  reserved  for  further  trials.  Even  before  he  was 
loosed  from  this  very  tree,  when  the  colonial  troops  had,  in  one  in- 
stance, retreated  a little  way,  a young  Indian  amused  himself  by  throw- 
ing his  tomahawk  at  the  tree,  apparently  to  see  how  near  he  could 
throw  it  without  hitting  Putnam.  In  several  instances  it  came  within 
a hair’s  breadth  of  him. 

5.  He  was  at  length  untied,  but  not  till  he  had  been  cruelly  treated 
by  a French  officer,  who  struck  him  heavily  on  the  cheek.  He  was 
next  deprived  of  his  vest,  stockings,  and  shoes,  and  his  hands  tied 
together,  and  then  loaded  with  the  packs  of  the  wounded  soldiers. 

6.  The  cords  were  tied  so  tightly  round  his  wrists  as  to  cause  much 
swelling  and  great  pain,  and  the  blood  flowed  from  his  torn  and  naked 
feet,  till  his  sufferings  became  so  great  that  he  begged  the  savages  either 
to  loosen  the  cord  or  kill  him.  A French  officer  removed  a part  of  the 
burden,  and  an  Indian  gave  him  a pair  of  moccasins. 


Chap.  XCI. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  General  Putnam?  What  war  broke  out  in  1754.^ 
2.  How  long  did  this  war  last ? How  was  General  Putnam  employed?  3.  What  hap- 
pened in  1757  ? 4-6,  Describe  the  trials  to  which  he  was  exposed. 

* It  would  appear  probable  that  there  was  no  regularly  appointed  commander  at  Bun- 
ker’s Hill,  and  it  has  been  even  said  that  Putnam  was  not  there.  But  it  has  been  made 
clear  that  he  was  there,  and  no  doubt  gave  directions  to  the  American  troops. 


196 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


7.  During  the  day,  an  Indian  had  also  wounded  him  deeply  in  the 
cheek  with  a tomahawk.  But  the  arrival  of  night  brought  greater 
trials  than  before.  It  was  now  the  determination  of  the  savages  to 
roast  him  alive.  He  was  bound  to  a tree,  entirely  naked,  and  the 
flames  were  kindled,  and  the  Indians  had  already  begun  their  horrid 
dancing  and  singing  around  him. 

8.  A sudden  shower  partly  extinguished  the  flames,  but  they  soon 
raged  again.  Already  was  he  beginning  to  writhe  in  torture,  and  his 
case  was  becoming  hopeless,  when  a young  French  officer,  rushing 
through  the  throng,  dashed  away  the  firebrands,  and  though  he  was 
almost  past  feeling,  liberated  him  from  his  sufferings. 

9.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  he  was  sent  as  a prisoner,  first  to  Ticonde- 
roga,  then  a French  post,  and  afterward  to  Montreal,  where  he  was 
exchanged,  upon  which  he  immediately  re-entered  the  army.  He 
served  under  General  Amherst,  in  the  expedition  to  the  West  Indies, 
in  1762;  was  out  in  an  expedition  against  the  Western  Indians,  in 
1764;  and  after  serving  nearly  ten  years  in  the  army,  he  returned  to 
his  plough. 

10.  We  hear  no  more  of  him  in  public  life,  except  that  he  was 
opposed  to  the  stamp  act,  till  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington 
reached  him.  He  was  ploughing  in  his  field;  but  he  left  the  plough 
standing  in  the  furrow,  and,  without  staying  to  change  his  clothes, 
rode  to  the  scene  of  war.  Subsequently  to  this  he  was,  as  will  be 
seen,  concerned  in  many  of  the  most  important  batrles  of  the  Revolu- 
tion. He  died  in  May,  1790,  aged  seventy-two  years.  He  was  rough 
in  speech  and  manner,  but  possessed  sterling  qualities  of  head  and 
heart. 


7 What  plan  had  the  Indians  concerning  him  in  the  night  ? 8.  How  was  he  liberated  ^ 
9.  What  was  then  done  with  him  ? Where  did  he  afterward  serve  ? 10.  When  do  ws 
again  hear  of  him?  When  did  he  die? 


WASHINGTON  IN  THE  ARMY. 


197 


CHAPTEE  XOII. 


Period  of  the  Eevolhtionary  War,  Continued. — The 
Second  Continental  Congress. — Washington  at  the  head 
of  the  Army. 

1.  The  Second  Continental  Congress  met,  according  to  the  provis- 


ions of  the  first, 
at  Philadelphia, 
May  10,  1775. 
At  this  meeting, 
twelve  of  the 
colonies  were 
represen  ted. 
Georgia,  it 
seems,  did  n ot 
send  in  her  dele- 
gates till  some 
time  in  July.  Mr. 
Eandolph  was 
again  chosen 
their  president. 

2.  At  the  open- 
ing of  the  con- 


GENBRAL  WASHINGTON. 


gress,  John  Hancock  presented  the  most  ample  and  conclusive  evi- 
dence that,  in  the  battle  of  Lexington,  the  king’s  troops  were  the  first 
aggressors.  The  delegates  were  united  in  the  opinion  that  it  was 
necessary  to  put  the  colonies  in  a state  of  defence,  and,  though  they 
should  continue  to  hope  for  the  best,  to  make  all  possible  preparation 
for  the  worst  which  couM  happen. 

8.  For  the  purposes  of  defence,  they  voted  to  raise  and  equip  an 
army  of  twenty  thousand  men,  and  to  issue  bills  of  credit  to  the 
amount  of  three  millions  of  dollars,  to  pay  the  expenses — the  twelve 
colonies  being  pledged  for  their  redemption.  They  next  proceeded 
to  select  George  Washington,  one  of  the  delegates  from  Virginia,  who 
was  already  favorably  known,  commander-in-chief  of  the  army. 


Chap.  XCII.— 1.  Where  and  when  did  the  Second  Continental  Congress  meet  ? How 
many  colonies  were  represented?  Who  was  the  president?  2.  What  was  done  by 
John  Hancock?  What  was  deemed  necessary  ? 3.  What  did  they  first  proceed  to  d«? 
To  what  station  was  Washington  appointed? 


17* 


198 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  The  following  anecdote  will  serve  to  show,  in  a striking  manner, 
the  modesty  of  Washington.  The  elder  President  Adams,  then  a mem- 
ber of  Congress  from  Massachusetts,  was  the  person  who  first  proposed 
to  make  the  appointment.  Though  he  does  not  appear  to  have  called 
Washington  by  name  at  first,  yet  his  allusions  were  so  strong  that  no 
one  could  mistake  his  meaning,  upon  which  Washington  sprang  from 
his  seat,  and  retired  to  an  adjoining  room. 

5.  One  more  fact,  in  this  place,  concerning  him.  Before  his  appoint 
ment,  five  hundred  dollars  a month  had  been  voted  to  the  chief  com- 
mander of  the  army.  After  Washington’s  appointment,  he  most 
respectfully  assured  Congress  that  he  did  not  wish  to  receive  any  profit 
from  the  office.  “I  will  keep  an  account,”  said  he,  “of  my  expenses; 
these,  I doubt  not,  they  will  discharge ; and  that  is  all  I desire.” 

6.  Four  major-generals  and  eight  brigadier-generals,  to  serve  under 
Washington,  were  also  appointed.  The  names  of  the  first  were  Ar'- 
te-mas  Ward,  Charles  Lee,  Philip  Schuy'-ler,  and  Israel  Putnam.  Those 
of  the  second  were  Seth  Pomeroy,  Richard  Montgomery,  David  Woos- 
ter, William  Heath,  Joseph  Spencer,  John  Thomas,  John  Sullivan,  and 
Nathaniel  Greene. 

7.  At  this  critical  period  in  the  history  of  the  colonies.  Congress 
appointed  a general  or  national  fast — the  first  of  the  kind  ever  kept  in 
this  country.  The  season,  as  it  appears,  was  religiously  observed.  It 
was  the  20th  of  July. 

8.  The  appointment  of  Washington,  as  commander-in-chief  of  the 
army,  was  made  on  the  15th  of  June.  He  received  his  commission 
four  days  afterward.  In  company  with  Generals  Lee  and  Schuyler,  he 
left  Philadelphia  for  the  north  on  the  21st  of  June,  and,  after  a little 
delay  in  New  York — where  he  left  General  Schuyler — he  arrived  at 
Cambridge,  near  Boston,  on  the  2d  of  July. 


4.  Tell  the  anecdote  of  Adams  and  Washington.  5.  What  more  can  yon  say  him? 
6.  Tell  the  names  of  the  generals  and  brigadier-generals  chosen  to  serve  under  Washing- 
ton. I What  fast  did  Congi*ess  appoint  ? 8.  What  can  you  say  of  Washington  at  this 
time? 


ATTACK  ON  QUEBEC. 


199 


CHAPTER  XCIII. 


Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — At- 
tack on  Qicebec, — Death  of  Montgomery. — Oovernor 
Dunmor^s  Operations  in  Yirginia. 

1.  When  Washington  reached  Cambridge,  the  British  forces  in  Bos- 


ton amounted  to  eleven  thou- 
sand five  hundred.  The  Ame- 
rican forces  were  nominally 
about  seventeen  thousand ; 
though,  exclusive  of  the  sick 
and  absent,  really  but  fourteen 
thousand  five  hundred.  As 
they  were  arranged,  however, 
in  a semicircle  of  about  twelve 
miles  in  length,  they  v/ere 
thought  insufficient  for  closely 
besieging  the  city. 


2.  Washington,  as  soon  as 
he  had  taken  a survey  of  the 
whole  ground,  called  a council 
of  war.  This  council,  with- 
out a dissenting  voice,  gave  it 
as  their  opinion  that  the  posts 
around  Boston,  though  nume- 
rous, must  be  occupied  and 


GENERAL  MONTGOMERY. 


sustained ; and  that,  for  this  purpose,  a force  of  at  least  twenty-twe 
thousand  men  was  necessary.  They  also  recommended  to  the  colonies 
of  New  England  to  make  up  the  deficiency. 

3.  One  great  difficulty  which  stared  them  in  the  face  was  the  want 
of  ammunition.  Washington  had  found,  to  his  surprise,  that  there  was 
not  powder  enough  in  the  whole  American  army  to  furnish  nine  cart- 
ridges to  each  man.  This  was  a most  alarming  fact,  and  perplexed 
even  the  commander  himself. 

4.  While  he  was  employed  in  organizing  the  army  near  Boston,  so 
as  to  render  it  available.  Generals  Schuyler  and  Montgomery  had  taken 
Eort  Cham-blee',  in  the  north,  and  besieged  St.  John’s.  The  latter  was 
also  at  length  taken,  with  six  hundred  prisoners  and  five  hundred 


Chap.  XCIII. — 1.  What  was  the  amount  of  the  British  forces  ? Of  the  American  ? 
2.  What  was  proposed  by  the  council  of  war  of  the  Americans?  3.  What  great  difli- 
culty  had  the  colonists  to  contend  with  ? 4.  What  was  doing  in  other  places  ? 5.  What  did 
General  Montgomery  do  ? 


200 


HiSTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


stands  of  arms.  It  was  during  the  siege  of  St.  John’s  that  Colonel 
Allen  was  taken  prisoner,  as  we  ha\  e already  stated. 

5.  After  the  capture  of  St.  John’s,  General  Montgomery  went  against 


Montreal,  which 
>red  with- 
tance.  He 
larched 
Quebec ; 
the  mean 
ishington 
ispatched 
Benedict 
with  ele- 
ired  men, 
of  the 
5C  River, 
indred  of 
’oops  had 
arrived  late  in  the 
autumn,  scaled 


DEATH  OF  MONTGOMERY. 


the  heights  of  Abraham,  and  placed  themselves  before  the  city. 

6.  Arnold  had,  however,  been  so  slow  in  his  operations,  after  his  ar- 
rival in  the  river  near  the  city,  that  the  enemy  was  better  prepared  for 
a defence  than  had  been  expected.  Beside,  he  had  no  artillery,  and 
only  six  charges  of  powder  to  each  man.  In  these  circumstances,  he 
was  obliged  to  fall  back  twenty  miles  up  the  river  with  his  troops,  and 
wait  the  arrival  of  General  Montgomery. 

7.  He.  was  joined  by  the  latter  and  three  hundred  men,  December 
1st,  and  they  proceeded  forthwith  to  the  siege  of  Quebec.  After  con- 
tinuing the  siege  till  December  31st,  they  made  a desperate  attempt  to 
scale  the  walls,  in  which  General  Montgomery  and  several  of  his  most 
valuable  officers  were  slain,  and  General  Arnold  wounded. 

8.  Being  thus  defeated  in  his  purpose,  Arnold  ordered  the  army  tc 
retire  about  three  miles,  where  they  spent  the  winter.  He  had  lost 
about  one  hundred  men  who  were  killed,  and  three  hundred  who  were 
taken  prisoners.  In  the  spring,  finding  his  force  too  small  to  accom- 
plish any  important  purpose,  he  left  the  country ; and  the  posts  which 
liad  been  taken  in  this  quarter  gradually  returned  into  the  hands  of  the 
British. 

9.  The  death  of  General  Montgomery  was  deeply  lamented,  both  in 


What  of  the  expedition  against  Quebec,  led  by  General  Arnold?  6.  What  did  Arnold 
do  after  his  arrival?  7.  What  happened  in  the  siege  of  Quebec?  8.  What  did  Ar- 
nold order  ? What  did  ho  do  in  the  spring? 


ARNOLD’S  EXPEDITION  TO  QUEBEC. 


201 


Europe  and  America.  He  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  was  a most  exceb 
lent  officer  and  valuable  citizen.  He  and  his  two  aides-de-camp  fell 
at  the  same  instant.  At  his  death  Montgomery  was  only  thirty-eight 
years  of  age.  Congress  caused  a monument  to  be  erected  in  NTew 
York  to  his  memory,  which  may  be  seen  in  the  churchyard  near  St. 
Paul’s  church,  NTew  York. 

10.  There  were  some  internal  troubles  about  this  time  in  Virginia. 
Lord  Dun'-more,  the  governor,  like  most  of  the  colonial  governors^ 
was  unfriendly  to  the  colonies.  Fearing  the  colonial  troops  would  seize 
the  powder  of  the  public  magazines,  he  ordered  it  to  be  carried  on 
board  a vessel.  He  also  undertook  to  arm  and  equip  several  vessels 
for  the  crown ; and,  when  the  people  would  not  furnish  them  with 
provisions,  he  proceeded  to  burn  NTorfolk,  then  a town  of  about  six 
thousand  inhabitants. 


CHAPTER  XCIY. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued.* — Anec- 
dotes and  Incidents  of  Arnold'’ s Expedition  to  Quebec,^ 

1.  The  project  of  taking  an  army  across  the  District  of  Maine  to 

Quebec,  almost 
seventy  years 
ago,  was  certain- 
ly one  which 
few  would  have 
undertaken  but 
Benedict  Ar- 
nold. We  shall 
learn  something 
more  of  him 
hereafter.  For 
the  present  it  is 
only  necessary 
to  say  that  he 
was  more  rash 
than  judicious, 

Arnold’s  expedition  to  Canada. 

strange  though 

daring  expedition  to  Quebec,  proved  him  to  be  so. 


9.  Give  some  account  of  Montgomery.  10.  What  of  the  troubles  in  Virginia? 
Chap.  XCIV. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  Arnold’s  project  ? 

9* 


202  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

2.  It  is  true  that  Washington  approved  the  plan,  and  encouraged  it; 
but.  this  does  not  show  that  it  was  not  both  rash  and  hazardous. 
Washington  did  not  know  what  a rough  and  dangerous  route  it  was, 
and  depended  for  his  information  on  others,  who  probably  misunder- 
stood and  misrepresented  the  facts. 

3.  General  Arnold  set  out  in  September.  He  had  with  him,  as  was 
stated  in  the  preceding  chapter,  eleven  hundred  men.  He  had  also  a 
few  volunteers  beside,  among  whom  was  Aaron  Burr,  afterward  vice- 
president  of  the  United  States,  hut  then  only  twenty  • years  of  age. 
They  went  by  water  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec  River,  in  the  usual 
manner. 

4.  There  they  procured  two  hundred  bateaux.  These  were  long, 
light  flat-boats,  for  shallow  water.  The  current  of  the  river  was  rapid, 
the  bottom  rocky,  and  the  navigation  often  interrupted  by  falls.  Some- 
times they  had  to  transport  the  baggage  by  land ; sometimes  they  were 
obliged  to  carry  their  boats  on  their  shoulders,  or  drag  them  up  the 
rapids  with  ropes. 

5.  They  had  steep  precipices  to  climb,  vast  shady  forests  to  pass 
under,  and  quagmires  to  wade  through.  They  had  also  deep  valleys  to 
traverse,  where  the  pine-trees  were  tossing  over  their  heads  in  the 
stdVmy  wind,  and  where  the  river  was  rushing  and  foaming  over  the 
rocks  with  a noise  like  that  of  the  ocean. 

6.  They  were  sometimes  a whole  day  in  travelling  four  or  flve  miles* 
with  their  baggage  lashed  on  their  backs,  and  axes  in  their  hands  to 
hew  a road  through  the  wilderness.  Some  of  them  died  at  last  from 
me:;e  fatigue ; many  others  became  sick  and  perished,  and  all  suftered 
greatly  for  want  of  food. 

7.  Many  a young  soldier,  as  he  lay  down  at  night  on  his  pillow  of 
green  houghs,  hungry  and  fatigued,  and  perhaps  cold,  too,  for  the 
frosty  nights  had  come,  thought  of  the  parental  homq^  and  fireside, 
where,  perhaps,  a mother  and  sister  were  weeping  for  him.  But  these 
thoughts  were  driven  away  by  the  next  morning’s  march. 

8.  By  the  time  they  reached  the  source  of  Dead  River,  a branch  of 
the  Kennebec,  their  provisions  were  almost  exhausted;  and  what 
remained  were  damaged,  as  well  as  their  ammunition,  by  water  which 
had  got  into  the  bateaux  during  their  passage.  The  soldiers,  it  is 
said,  began  to  kill  and  eat  the  lean  dogs  they  had  with  them ; and 
even  this  food  was  esteemed  a luxury. 

9.  The  sick  had  now  become  so  numerous  that  one  of  the  colonels 
was  ordered  back  with  them  to  Boston.  He  not  only  obeyed  the 


2.  What  is  true  respecting  Washington  ? 3.  What  troops  had  Arnold?  4.'  How  did  the 
troops  proceed  upon  the  water ? 5-7.  What  difficulties  had  they  by  land?  8.  What  of 
their  provisions  ? 


HESSIAN  TROOPS  SENT  TO  AMERICA. 


203 


orders,  but  went  further,  and  took  back  his  whole  regiment  of  three 
or  four  hundred  men.  He  was  tried  afterward  for  deserting  General 
Arnold ; but  the  court-martial  acquitted  him  on  the  ground  that  the 
men  must  have  starved  had  they  remained. 

10.  But  Arnold,  who  was  a man  of  great  decision,  marched  on. 
For  thirty-two  days  not  a human  dwelling  was  seen.  They  arrived^ 
at  last,  on  the  mountains  between  the  Kennebec  and  Chau-di-ere',  and 
found  their  way  down  the  latter  to  Point  Levy,  opposite  Quebec, 
where  they  arrived  Kovember  9.  The  people  were  here  as  much 
amazed  at  their  arrival,  as  if  so  many  ghosts  had  come  among  them — 
which,  indeed,  many  of  them  more  resembled  than  living  beings. 


CHAPTER  XCV. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — The 
Hessian  troops  hired  and  sent  to  America. — General 
Howe  succeeds  General  Gage. — The  British  driven 
from  Boston. 

1.  The  British,  all  this  while,  had  possession  of  Boston,  Roxbury 
Heck,  and  Bunker’s  Hill,  as  well  as  the  command  of  the  harbor  and 
shipping.  They,  therefore,  had  free  access  to  such  supplies  as  came 
to  them  by  the  water.  But  it  happened,  in  one  instance,  in  the  win- 
ter of  1775-6,  that  the  supply  of  fuel  and  food  fell  short,  and  the 
army  were  put  on  very  scanty  allowance. 

2.  In  this  extremity,  they  sent  eleven  armed  vessels  to  Georgia,  to 
bring  rice ; but  only  two  of  them  could  get  any,  on  account  of  the 
hostile  state  of  the  public  feeling  toward  them.  For  fuel,  they  used 
the  timber  of  dwelling-houses  and  other  buildings  which  they  pulled 
down  for  that  purpose,  and  even  of  some  of  the  churches. 

3.  In  the  spring  of  1776,  efforts  were  made  in  England  to  raise 
troops  for  the  American  war,  but  they  were  not  very  successful.  The 
war  was  not  popular  among  the  mass  of  the  people  there,  and  only  a 
few  thousand  soldiers  were  enlisted.  At  length  a bargain  was  made 
by  the  government  for  seventeen  thousand  German  troops,  called 
Hessians^  because  they  came  from  the  small  state  of  Hesse.  These 
were  all  sent  over  to  America. 

9.  What  was  done  by  one  of  the  colonels  ? 10.  Describe  the  appearance  of  the  men 

>n  reaching  Quebec, 

Chap.  XCV. — 1.  How  were  the  British  situated  at  this  time  ? 2.  What  did  they  d« 

for  food  and  fuel?  8.  What  was  done  in  England  in  the  spring  of  1T76?  What  bargain 
was  at  length  noade  as  to  Hessians  ? 


204  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

4.  General  Howe  had  suc- 
ceeded General  Gage  in  the 
cx)mrnand  at  Boston,  some 
time  in  the  year  1775.  About 
the  end  of  December,  Wash- 
ington had  discovered  that 
a plan  was  on  foot  for  mak- 
ing an  attack  on  some  part  of 
the  coast — perhaps  New 
York.  To  prevent  this,  as 
well  as  to  gain  possession  of 
Boston,  he  began  to  meditate 
an  attack  on  the  town. 

5.  It  had  been  his  purpose 
to  make  the  attack  in  Feb- 
ruary, when  both  Charles  Div- 
er and  the  harbor  were 
firmly  frozen  over ; but  in  a 
council  of  war  the  plan  was 
opposed,  and  he  yielded  his 
opinion,  though  he  did  it  re- 
luctantly. It  was  now  deter- 
mined to  get  possesssion  of 
Dorchester  Heights,  near 

uth  Boston,  and  which  commanded  the  harbor. 

6.  On  the  2d  of  March  the  movement  was  begun.  To  conceal  his 
real  design  from  the  enemy,  Washington  first  made  an  attack  on  the 
town  from  Cambridge  and  Lech'-mere’s  Point  with  bomb-shells.  This 
was  continued  for  two  or  three  days,  especially  at  evening.  The 
object  was  to  divert  the  attention  of  the  British  from  Dorchester 
Heights,  which  lay  in  the  opposite  direction. 

7.  During  the  night  of  March  4,  1776,  immediately  after  the  firing 
began  from  Cambridge  and  elsewhere.  General  Thomas,  with  eight 
hundred  men,  and  a working  party  of  twelve  hundred,  with  the  ne- 
^ssary  tools,  passed  over  from  Eoxbury,  as  silently  as  possible,  to  the 
Heights,  and  went  to  work.  The  ground  was  very  hard,  but  by  daylight 
they  were  able  so  far  to  complete  an  entrenchment,  that  it  served  to 
shield  them,  in  a good  degree,  from  the  shot  of  the  enemy. 

8.  When  the  British  saw  these  works  in  the  morning,  they  were 
greatly  astonislied.  They  perceived,  in  a moment,  what  an  advantage 
this  position  gave  to  the  Americans,  and  that  they  must  either  dis- 

4.  What  of  General  II  owe  ? Washington?  5.  What  was  his  purpose?  How  was  the 
plan  changed  ? 6.  What  was  done  on  the  2d  of  March  ? Why  was  this  done  ? 7.  What 

was  done  on  March  4th  ? 


HESSIAN  OFPICEK. 


THE  BRITISH  EVACUATE  BOSTON.  205 

lodge  them  or  give  up  the  town.  They  sent  out  two  thousand  troops 
against  tliem  in  boats,  but  a storm  prevented  them  from  landing  so 
as  to  act  in  concert. 

9.  At  a council  of  war  held  by  them  the  next  morning,  it  was  deter- 
mined to  quit  the  town.  But  as  they  did  not  depart  at  once,  the 
Americans  continued  to  strengthen  and  extend  their  works,  till,  on 
the  17th  of  March,  they  had  made  such  progress  that  the  British  dared 
not  remain  longer ; and  by  ten  o’clock  in  the  forenoon  they  were  all 
under  sail. 

10.  Great  was  the  joy  of  the  Boston  people  when  they  saw  the  last 
of  the  British  troops  embark,  and  a division  of  Washington’s  army, 
under  General  Putnam,  marching  triumphantly  over  the  N^eck  into  the 
town.  Washington  himself,  with  the  rest  of  his  army  entered  next 
day  amid  general  acclamations. 

11.  Boston  must  have  presented  a dismal  spectacle  at  this  time. 
For  sixteen  months  it  had  been  subjected  to  all  the  distresses  of  a 
close  siege,  and  to  all  the  multiplied  abuses  of  a foreign  soldiery. 
Churches  had  been  used  for  quarters  for  the  soldiers,  and  their  furni- 
ture and  benches  destroyed,  and  shops  and  houses,  in  many  instances, 
had  been  pillaged  of  goods  and  clothing. 

12.  The  sufferings  of  the  citizens,  for  want  of  food  and  fuel,  had 
become  extreme.  Wood  could  not  be  had  for  less  than  ten  dollars  a 
cord ; fish  was  twenty-two  cents  a pound ; ham  forty-five  cents ; ducks 
a dollar  apiece  ; turkeys  three  dollars ; sheep  eight  dollars,  and  vege- 
tables could  scarcely  be  had.  Apples  were  seven  or  eight  dollars  a 
barrel.  Some,  in  the  scarcity  of  food,  were  glad  to  eat  horsefiesh. 

13.  Yet  there  were  some  Americans  who  did  not  share  in  the  gen- 
eral joy  at  seeing  the  British  depart.  They  believed  America  w'as 
wrong  in  resisting  the  parent  country,  and  could  not  conscientiously 
afford  their  aid.  These  were  called  Tories  or  Refugees.  More  than  a 
thousand  such — some  say  fifteen  hundred — left  the  town  with  the 
British  fleet  for  Halifax ; and  many  never  returned. 

14.  The  Boston  people,  after  the  battle  of  Lexington,  had  been  permit- 
ted to  leave  the  town  with  their  effects,  provided  they  lodged  their  arms 
in  Faneuil  Hall ; and  nearly  two  thousand  fire-arms  and  six  hundred  and 
thirty-four  pistols,  &c.,  had  been  deposited  there.  These  inhabitants 
now  began  to  return  with  the  army  of  Washington,  consisting  of  twenty^ 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  regular  troops  and  six  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred militia,  which  gave  quite  a new  appearance  to  the  face  of  things. 

8.  What  did  the  British  do  when  they  saw  the  American  works  on  Dorchester  Heights  ? 
9.  How  did  the  Americans  secure  their  advantage  over  the  British?  10.  Describe  the 
feelings  of  the  Boston  people.  11.  What  was  the  stat'e  of  Boston  at  this  time?  12.  What 
were  the  prices  of  fuel  and  provisions?  13.  Who  were  those  Americans  who  did  not 
rejoice  at  the  departure  of  the  British?  14.  What  had  been  done  at  the  battle  of  Lexing- 
tou  ? Of  what  did  the  army  consist  ? 

18 


206 


HISTORY  OF  THF  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  XOYI. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — The 
British  meditate  an  attach  on  New  Yorh  and  also  on 
Charleston, — Battle  at  Sullivan^s  Island, 

1.  Thus  driven  from  Boston,  the  British  generals  now  turned  their 
thoughts  toward  the  capture  of  INew  York  and  Charleston.  The 
attack  on  the  latter  place  was  to  be  attempted  first.  For  this  purpose 
the  British  admiral,  Sir  Peter  Parker,  and  General  Clinton,  having  met 
at  Cape  Fear,  sailed  to  the  south,  and,  on  the  4th  of  June,  anchored 
about  six  miles  from  the  city. 

2.  The  fieet  consisted  of  two  fifty-gun  ships,  four  frigates,  each  of 
twenty-eight  guns,  and  several  smaller  vessels.  The  land  forces  of 
General  Clinton  were  twenty-eight  hundred.  Their  anchorage  was 
only  three  miles  from  Sullivan’s  Island,  which  the  Americans  had 
fortified,  and  which  was  defended  by  three  hundred  and  seventy -five 
regular  soldiers  and  a few  militia. 

3.  Before  proceeding  against  Charleston  itself,  it  was  thought  advis- 
able to  destroy  the  works  on  Sullivan’s  Island,  situated  ten  miles  be- 
low the  city,  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor.  An  attack  was  therefore, 
made  on  the  28th  of  June,  a little  before  noon.  The  fort  on  the  island 
was  built  of  palmetto  wood,  so  spongy  that  the  shot  buried  themselves 
in  it,  without  shivering  it  to  pieces.  It  was  defended,  moreover,  by 
sixty  pieces  of  cannon. 

4.  For  ten  long  hours,  the  contest  was  terrible.  Ship  after  ship 
poured  in  upon  the  fort  its  tremendous  broadsides.  The  Americans 
also  fought  with  great  energy  and  efiect.  The  whole  harbor  seemed 
to  he  in  a fiame.  Two  of  the  vessels  were  soon  disabled,  and  a third 
almost  destroyed,  while  great  numbers  of  their  men  were  slain. 

5.  In  one  instance  the  fire  of  the  fort  completely  ceased.  Their 
powder  was  exhausted.  The  British  now  thought  themselves  sure 
of  victory.  But  a new  supply  of  powder  came,  and  the  battle  went 
on  hotter  than  ever  for  a considerable  time  longer. 

6.  In  another  instance,  the  flagstafi*  of  the  fort  being  shot  away, 
a sergeant,  by  the  name  of  Jasper,  leaped  down  upon  the  beach,  took 
up  the  flag,  and,  in  spite  of  the  incessant  firing  of  the  shipping. 

Chap.  XCVI. — 1.  What  of  the  British  after  being  driven  fi-om  Boston  ? What  prep- 
arations were  made  to  attack  Charleston  ? 2 Of  what  did  the  forces  of  the  British 
consist?  IIow  was  Sullivan’s  Island  defended?  3.  Where  was  Sullivan’s  Island?  4 
Describe  the  attack.  5.  What  happened  at  one  time  ’ 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


207 


mounted  and  placed  it  again  upon  the  rampart.  This  sergeant  was 
afterward  presented  with  a sword  and  a commission;  hut  the  latter 
he  refused  to  accept. 

7.  The  firing  ceased  between  nine  and  ten  in  the  evening,  and  the 
ships  hauled  ofi*.  They  were  exceedingly  shattered,  and  two  hundred 
of  their  men  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  Americans  had  but  ten 
killed  and  twenty -two  wounded;  though  the  damage  done  to  the 
island  was  immense — every  hut  and  even  every  tree  being  destroyed. 

8.  This  defence  of  Sullivan’s  Island  was  considered  as  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  events  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  Great  credit  was 
given  to  the  commanding  officer.  Colonel  MouT-trie,  in  honor  of  whom 
the  fort  was  afterward  called  Fort  Moultrie. 


CHAPTEE  XOYII. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Dec- 
laration of  Independence, 

1.  The  reader  will  understand  that  the  government  of  the  country, 
during  the  Revolutionary  War,  consisted  of  what  was  called  the  Con- 
tinental  Congress^  composed  of  members  deputed  by  the  several  colo- 
nies. They  held  their  sessions  at  Philadelphia,  during  the  greater 
part  of  the  period. 

2.  The  first  Continental  Congress,  as  we  have  stated,  was  opened  at 
Philadelphia,  in  September  1774,  all  the  thirteen  colonies  being  rep- 
resented, except  Georgia.  Peyton  Randolph,  of  Virginia,  was  chosen 
President,  and  George  Thomson,  of  Pennsylvania,  secretary. 

3.  The  second  Continental  Congress  convened  in  May,  1776,  John 
Hancock,  of  Massachusetts,  being  elected  President.  Tlie  session 
was  one  of  great  and  permanent  interest.  The  independence  of  the 
colonies  had,  indeed,  already  been  talked  of  among  the  people ; but 
now  it  became  an  early  topic  of  discussion  by  their  delegates. 

4.  The  first  resolution  of  this  body,  on  the  subject,  was  introduced 
June  7,  by  Richard  Henry  Lee,  one  of  the  delegates  from  Virginia. 

6,  Tell  the  anecdote  of  the  flagstaff.  7.  When  did  the  battle  cease  ? What  was  the 
loss  on  both  sides  ? 8.  What  was  thought  of  the  defence  of  Sullivan’s  Island  ? What 

was  it  afterward  called  ? 

Chap.  XCVII.  1. — What  was  the  government  of  the  colonies  during  the  whole  Revolu- 
tionary War?  Where  did  the  Continental  Congress  generally  hold  their  sessions?  2. 
What  of  the  first  Continental  Congress  ? 3.  When  did  the  second  Continental  Com 
gress  meet?  Who  was  elected  President?  Why  was  the  second  Congress  one  oi 
particular  interest  ? 


208 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


It  was,  ‘‘that  these  united  colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  nc,  free 
and  independent  states ; that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to 
the  British  crown;  and  that  all  political  connection  between  them 
and  the  state  of  Great  Britain  is  and  ought  to  be  totally  dissolved.” 

5.  His  speech,  on  introducing  this  resolution,  was  one  of  the  most 
eloquent  ever  heard  in  the  councils  of  America,  and  drew  forth  able 
remarks  from  others.  On  the  11th  of  June,  it  was  still  further  dis- 
cussed, and  again  on  the  1st  of  July.  On  the  2d  of  July,  a committee 
was  elected  to  draft  a declaration  according  to  the  spirit  of  Mr.  Lee’s 
resolution. 

6.  This  committee,  consisting  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  of  Virginia,  John 
Adams,  of  Massachusetts,  Benjamin  Franklin,  of  Pennsylvania,  Roger 
Sherman,  of  Connecticut,  and  Robert  R.  Livingston,  of  Mew  York,  re- 
ported a Declakation  of  Independence,  which,  on  the  4th  of  July, 
was  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  handsomely  engrossed  on  parchment, 
in  order  to  be  signed. 

4.  What  was  the  first  resolution  passed  by  the  body  in  relation  to  our  National  Inde- 
pendence? 5.  WUiat  of  Richard  Henry  Lee’s  speech?  6.  Who  were  the  members  of  the 
committee  to  draft  the  Declaration? 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


209 


7.  By  this  instrument  the  thirteen  American  colonies  declared  them- 
selves Ft 66  and  Ind6'p67id6nt^  under  the  name  of  the  TliiTt667i  U'Yiit6d 
Stat68  ofAm6rica.  It  was  signed  on  the  2d  of  August  by  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Congress  then  present,  and  by  some  who  had  not  been 
present  on  the  ^th  of  July.  Their  number  was  fifty-six. 


8.  To  sign  such 
an  instrument  as 
this,  under  such 
circumstances,  re- 
quired no  little 
firmness.  It  would 
surely  be  regard- 
ed by  Great  Bri- 
tain as  treason, 
and  might  bring 
the  parties  to  the 
most  violent  or  ig- 
nominious death. 
Yet  the  hand- 
writing of  the 


CELEBRATION  OP  THE  DECLARATION  OP  INDEPENDENCE.  signers,  as  may  be 


seen  by  the  copies 


of  the  Declaration  which  are  preserved,  is  firm,  except  in  the  case  of 
Stephen  Hopkins,  an  aged  man,  who  had  the  palsy. 

9.  Hone  of  these  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  are 
now  living,  though  most  of  them  reached  a good  old  age.  Four  lived 
beyond  the  age  of  ninety ; fourteen  exceeded  eighty ; and  twenty- 
three  exceeded  seventy.  Their  average  age  was  about  sixty-five. 
The  average  age  of  the  delegates  from  Hew  England  was  seventy-five. 

10.  This  fact  of  their  great  age  has  been  sometimes  adduced  as  a 
proof  of  the  Divine  approbation  and  blessing  on  the  cause  they  es- 
poused. To  a truly  philosophic  mind,  it  proves  that  life  is  prolonged 
and  health  promoted  by  living  for  such  purposes  as  develop  all  our 
powers,  instead  of  remaining  in  the  depths  of  ignorance,  or  pursuing 
a career  of  listlessness,  or  selfishness. 

11.  It,  however,  intimated  one  thing  more.  Since  the  mental  activ- 
ity and  energy  which  are  awakened  in  a great  political  conflict  are 
favorable  to  health  and  longevity,  is  it  not  highly  probable  that  the 


7.  What  was  declared  by  the  instrument  drawn  up  by  the  committee  ? By  whom  was 
it  signed?  8.  What  was  required  in  the  signing  of  this  instrument  ? What  ir  said  of  the 
handwriting  of  the  signers?  9.  What  can  you  say  of  these  men?  10.  W>iat  maybe 
deduced  from  the  fact  of  the  long  lives  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration?  H. 
reflection  can  you  make  on  this  subject  ? 


18* 


210 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


great  moral  revolutions,  in  the  midst  of  which  we  live,  by  rousing  the 
whole  being — the  moral  and  religious,  no  less  than  the  intellectual 
powers — will  be  still  more  so  ? 

12.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  received  everywhere 
throughout  the  Union  with  tokens  of  approbation.  Processions  were 
formed,  bells  rang,  cannon  fired,  and  patriotic  addresses  made,  accom- 
panied by  all  the  usual  demonstrations  of  public  joy.  Such  was  the 
spirit  at  least  of  the  majority;  though  it  must  be  admitted  there  vrere 
those  who  viewed  the  whole  matter  in  a very  dififerent  light.  The  day 
on  which  this  instrument  was  adopted  by  Congress,  the  4th  of  July, 
1776,  has  since  been  annually  commemorated,  and  its  anniversary  has 
become  the  great  holiday  of  our  country. 


CHAPTER  XCVIII. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — The 
British  commence  their  plan  of  Attack  on  New  York, — 
Battle  of  Long  Island, 

1.  The  British  forces  began  to  assemble  about  this  time  on  Staten 


GENERAL  Clinton. 
soon  followed  him.  When 


Island,  near  New  York,  m order  to 
make  preparation  to  attack  the 
city.  General  Clinton,  after  the 
battle  at  Sullivan’s  Island,  had 
gone  there  with  his  troops,  and 
General  Howe  had  arrived  from 
Halifax  early  in  July.  Some  of 
the  refugee  colonists  of  New 
York  had  also  joined  them — two 
hundred  in  a single  instance. 

2.  As  it  had  early  occurred  to 
General  Washington  that  the 
British  would  aim  at  New  York, 
he  had  left  Boston,  where  his 
presence  was  no  longer  absolutely 
necessary,  and  repaired  to  that 
city,  aecompanied  by  General 
Lee;  to  which  place  the  troops 
ed  together,  in  the  city  and  its 


12.  How  was  the  Declaration  received  throughout  the  Union?  How  has  the  anniver- 
sary of  the  passing  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  been  since  observed  ? 

Chap  XCVIII.— 1.  What  did  the  Biitish  now  begin  to  do ? Who  joined  them?  2. 
What  had  Washington  done  ? What  troops  had  he  at  New  Y ork  ? 


DEFENCE  OF  NEW  YORK. 


211 


PLAN  OF  THE  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

vicinity,  they  were  found  to  amount  to  seventeen  thousand  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty-four  men,  most  of  them,  however,  raw  recruits. 

3.  About  fifteen  thousand  of  the  American  troops,  under  Generals 
Sullivan  and  Putnam,  were  stationed  at  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island. 
On  the  22d  of  August,  a part  of  the  British  anny,  the  whole  amount- 
ing to  near  thirty  thousand  men,  crossed  over  from  Staten  Island  to 
Long  Island,  to  make  a descent  upon  the  Americans. 


3.  What  troops  were  sent  to  Brooklyn  ? What  did  the  British  now  do  ? 


212 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  On  the  27th  ot  August  they  began  an  attack,  and  a battle  ensued, 
which  lasted  the  whole  day,  and  ceased  only  with  the  darkness  of  the 
night.  The  British  had  the  advantage ; though  it  was  obtained  at  the 
expense  of  from  three  to  five  hundred  lives. 

5.  But  the  American  loss  was  still  greater.  More  than  a thousand 
of  their  number  were  taken  prisoners ; and  among  the  rest.  General 
Sullivan  and  Lord  Sterling.  From  one  to  two  hundred  were  slain. 
About  five  thousand  of  the  American  troops  were  actively  engaged, 
these  being  obliged  to  sustain  the  shock  of  fifteen  thousand  of  the 
enemy. 

6.  One  cause  of  the  misfortunes  of  the  Americans  this  day  was,  no 
doubt,  the  inexperience  of  the  troops.  Another  was  the  want  of  suit- 
able officers.  One  of  the  generals  was  sick,  and  General  Putnam, 
though  as  brave  a man  as  there  was  in  the  army,  had  but  recently 
arrived,  and  was  unacquainted  with  the  ground. 

7.  The  British  army  encamped  within  half  a mile  of  the  American 
lines,  and  on  the  following  day  began  to  make  preparations  to  renew 
the  attack,  confidently  expecting  that  they  should  speedily  he  able  to 
cut  off  the  whole  army.  In  this,  however,  they  were  disappointed ; 
for,  when  they  were  ready  for  the  attack,  not  an  American  was  to  be 
found  on  the  island. 

8.  Under  the  personal  care  and  inspection  of  Washington,  who  had 
crossed  from  Mew  York  and  joined  the  army  the  day  after  the  battle, 
the  American  troops  recrossed  to  the  city  on  the  morning  of  the  30th, 
just  in  time  to  save  themselves.  They  had  moved  chiefiy  in  the  night 
and  under  cover  of  a fog.  Indeed,  the  British  were  so  near  the 
last  troops  who  embarked,  that  they  distinctly  heard  their  move- 
vnents. 

9.  Upon  the  retreat  of  the  American  army  from  Long  Island,  Wash- 
ington gave  vent  to  his  feelings  in  terms  of  strong  exasperation  and 
impatience,  almost  the  only  instance  in  which  he  was  deserted  by  that 
calmness  and  equanimity  which  formed  a prominent  element  of  his 
character.  He  had  been  on  horseback  continually  two  or  three  days 
and  nights,  and  had  not  closed  his  eyes  in  sleep  for  the  whole  time,  and 
wa^  therefore,  ill  prepared  to  endure  the  mortification  of  so  severe  a 
defeat. 

10.  As  it  was  expected  that  the  British  would  forthwith  attack  Mew 
York,  a council  of  war  was  called,  in  which  it  was  at  length  determined 
to  evacuate  the  city.  After  removing  the  military  stores  and  baggage 


4.  Describe  the  battle  on  Long  Island.  5.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  Americans?  6.  What 
was  the  cause  of  the  misfortunes  of  the  Americans  ? 7.  What  was  done  by  the  British 

vmy  ? 8.  How  had  the  Americans  left  New  York  ? 9.  What  can  you  say  of  Washington? 
20.  What  did  the  council  of  war  determine  upon  ? 


BATTLE  OF  WHITE  PLAINS. 


213 


to  Kingsbridge,  fifteen  miles  north  of  the  city,  about  nine  thousand  of 
the  troops  followed,  and  the  remainder  soon  afterward.  The  British 
took  possession  of  New  York  September  15. 


CHAPTEE  XCIX. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
of  White  Plains, — Retreat  of  Washington, 

1.  Aftek  leaving  three  thousand  troops  to  garrison  Fort  Lee,  Wash- 
ington had  retreated  from  Kingsbridge,  and  entrenched  himself  at 
White  Plains,  twenty-seven  miles  from  New  York.  The  British, 
after  gaining  some  advantages  in  a skirmish  at  Harlem  Heights,  near 
the  city,  slowly  pursued  the  retreating  army,  and  overtook  them  at 
their  encampment  at  White  Plains. 

2.  Here,  October  28,  a considerable  action  took  place,  and  several 
hundreds  fell  on  both  sides.  It  would  not  be  easy,  however,  to  say 
which  party  was  victorious.  Washington  did  not  leave  his  position, 
and  the  British  did  not  immediately  advance.  Finding,  however,  that 
the  enemy  had  received  a reinforcement  soon  after  the' battle,  Wash- 
ington retreated  five  miles  to  North  Castle. 

3.  Here  he  left  seven  thousand  five  hundred  men  under  General 
Lee,  and  then  crossed  the  Hudson  with  the  rest  of  his  troops,  and  sta- 
tioned himself  in  the  neighborhood  of  Fort  Lee,  on  the  New  Jersey 
shore. 

4.  On  the  15th  of  November,  the  British  went  against  Fort  Wash- 
ington. A summons  was  sent  to  Colonel  Magaw,  the  commander,  to 
surrender,  on  pain  of  being  put  to  the  sword.  As  he  refused  to  com- 
ply, an  attack  was  made  the  next  morning  with  such  fury  that  when 
a second  summons  was  sent,  the  colonel  felt  constrained  to  capitulate. 
All  his  men,  amounting  now  to  about  two  thousand  six  hundred,  were 
made  prisoners. 

5.  The  British  army  sustained  a heavy  loss  in  the  confiict — from 
eight  hundred  to  one  thousand  men.  But,  being  determined  to  follow 
up  the  victory,  they  soon  proceeded,  under  Lord  Corn-waT-lis,  to  at- 


Chap.  XCIX. — 1.  Where  did  Washington  encamp?  What  was  done  by  the  British? 

2.  What  of  the  engagement  at  White  Plains ? To  what  place  did  Washington  retreat? 

3.  Where  did  he  then  station  himself?  Describe  the  capture  of  Fort  Washington  by 
the  British.  5.  What  was  next  done  by  the  British  ? Who  commanded  Fort  Lee  ? 

* Fort  Lee  was  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson,  in  the  town  of  Hackensack, 
New  Jersey,  ten  miles  north  of  New  York;  Fort  Washington  was  situated  on  Manhattan 
Island,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson,  eleven  miles  from  New  York.  These  two  works 
commanded  the  river 


214 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


tack  Fort  Lee.  This  was  commanded  by  General  Greene.  As  the 
British  forces  were  evidently  too  strong  for  him,  he  evacuated  it  before 
he  lost  the  opportunity. 

6.  General  Greene,  whom  we  shall  have  frequent  occasion  to  men- 
tion, was  a humane  man,  as  is  evident  from  his  unwillingness  on  this 
and  other  occasions  to  expose,  to  no  good  purpose,  the  lives  of  his  men. 
He  was  the  son  of  a Quaker  preacher  in  Rhode  Island,  and  manifested 


6.  What  was  the  character  of  General  Greene?  His  early  history  ? 


BATTLE  AT  TRENTON.  215 

an  early  fondness  for  learning,  though  he  had  hut  few  opportunities 
for  study. 

7.  vHe  had  first  signalized  himself  in  the  battle  of  Lexington,  before 
which  he  had  been  engaged  either  in  studying  or  in  school-teaching. 
Law  was  the  profession  at  which  he  aimed,  and  in  which  his  natural 
inclination  and  great  perseverance  would  have  made  him  successful, 
had  he  not  been  called  away  in  early  life  to  share  the  fortunes  of  war. 

8.  The  whole  American  army  now  retreated  through  'New  Jersey 
toward  Philadelphia — the  British  eagerly  following  them.  The  pursuit 
was  so  close  that  the  hindmost  forces  of  the  iVmericans  were  some- 
times in  sight  of  the  bridges  they  had  passed  over  and  pulled  down 
after  them,  when  the  British  were  building  them  up  again. 

9.  This  was  a calamitous  hour  to  the  Americans.  When  the  re- 
treat commenced,  the  American  forces  scarcely  exceeded  four  thou- 
sand ; and  when  they  crossed  the  Delaware,  at  Trenton,  the  number 
of  effective  men  was  reduced  to  three  thousand.  Even  this  force,  poorly 
fed  and  sustained,  was  daily  and  hourly  diminishing. 

10.  Washington,  however,  in  the  midst  of  all  this  discouragement, 
did  not  allow  himself  to  he  depressed.  While  all  else  wore  the  ap- 
pearance of  gloom — even  the  countenances  of  the  soldiers — Washing- 
ton was  serene  and  cheerful.  Trusting  to  the  justice  of  the  cause  he 
had  espoused,  and  to  Heaven,  he  persevered,  in  the  midst  of  difficul- 
ties which  would  at  least  have  shaken  the  constancy  of  many  who 
have  deserved  the  name  of  very  brave  men. 

11.  On  the  very  day  of  Washington’s  retreat  over  the  Delaware,  the 
8th  of  December,  the  British  forces  took  possession  of  Rhode  Island, 
and  blocked  up  a squadron  of  American  vessels  there,  with  a number 
of  privateers  at  Providence.  The  island  was  held  by  the  king’s  forces 
two  or  three  years. 


CHAPTEK  0. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
at  Trenton. 

1.  Philadelphia  being  now  in  imminent  danger  of  becoming  the 
seat  of  war.  Congress,  in  December,  1776,  adjourned  to  Baltimore ; not, 
however,  till  they  had  drawn  up  and  adopted  certain  articles  of  Con- 


7.  Where  did  he  first  signalize  himself?  What  was  his  intended  profession?  8.  What  of 
the  American  army?  Describe  the  pursuit  of  the  British.  9.  What  was  the  situation  o!‘ 
the  Americans ? 10.  How  did  Washington  appear  in  these  trying  circumstances?  17 

What  did  the  British  forces  now  do  in  Rhode  Island  ? 

Chap.  C.— 1.  What  did  Congress  now  do  ? What  articles  did  they  draw  up  ? 


216 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


federation^  in  spirit  not  unlike  the  Federal  Constitution  adopted  many 
years  afterward.  These  they  sent  to  the  respective  assemblies  of  each 
state  for  approbation.  They  also  gave  nearly  absolute  power  to  Gen- 
eral Washington  to  conduct  the  military  affairs  of  the  country, 

2.  After  crossing  the  Delaware  River  into  Pennsylvania,  Washing- 
ton very  fortunately  received  a reinforcement  of  about  fifteen  hundred 
men,  beside  a considerable  body  of  militia ; so  that  he  had  now  with 
him  an  army  of  seven  thousand.  But,  as  the  term  of  enlistment  with 
a large  proportion  of  his  older  troops  would  expire  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  Washington  was  anxious  to  effect  something  immediately. 

3.  The  British  army  was  yet  at  Trenton.  Washington’s  plan  was  to 
recross  the  Delaware  and  attack  them  in  their  quarters.  It  was  late 
in  the  season,  being  December  25 ; and,  to  use  a well-known  phrase, 
“ as  cold  as  Christmas.”  Yet,  neither  Washington  nor  his. troops  were 
to  he  deterred  by  this. 

4.  At  night,  the  army,  in  three  divisions,  attempted  to  cross  the 
river  in  as  many  different  places.  It  was  not  only  cold,  but  dark  and 
stormy.  The  river  was  crowded  with  broken  ice,  rushing  together 
and  sweeping  down  its  rapid  current.  The  division  commanded  by 
Washington  in  person  was  alone  successful.  This  got  safely  over,  and 
at  eight  in  the  morning  they  were  before  Trenton. 

5.  They  first  attacked  a body  of  Hess'-ians,  who,  after  a most  de- 
termined resistance,  at  length  surrendered.  From  nine  hundred  to 
one  thousand  of  them  were  made  prisoners,  with  some  cannon.  Five 
hundred  cavalry  alone  made  their  escape.  This  brilliant  achievement, 
at  a moment  of  great  despondency,  roused  the  spirits  of  our  army,  and 
kindled  anew  the  flagging  hopes  of  the  country. 

6.  As  Washington  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  hazard  any  thing  more 
at  present,  he  immediately  returned  to  the  Pennsylvania  side  of  the 
Delaware  with  his  prisoners.  But  having  refreshed  his  troops  and 
secured  his  prisoners,  he  crossed  once  more  to  Trenton,  and  took  up 
his  head-quarters  there. 

7.  Their  success  at  Trenton  had  infused  new  courage  into  the 
American  troops,  and  Washington  was  determined  to  make  the  most 
of  it.  It  was  soon  found  that  the  British  were  concentrating  their 
forces  at  Princeton  and  preparing  for  battle.  On  the  2d  of  January, 
1777,  they  came  on  to  Trenton.  On  their  approach,  Washington 
retired  with  his  forces  and  posted  himself  on  the  opposite  bank  of  a 
rivulet,  from  which  he  kept  up  a firing  upon  the  enemy  till  night. 


2.  What  reinforcement  did  Washington  receive?  What  was  he  anxious  to  do?  8.  What 
was  Washington’s  plan?  4.  Describe  the  passage  of  the  Delaware.  5.  What  body  was 
first  attacked ? What  was  the  result  of  the  attack?  6.  What  did  Washington  now  do? 
7 What  was  soon  found  ? What  took  place  January  2,  1777?  What  did  Washington  do  ? 


BATTLE  NEAR  PRINCETON. 


217 


8.  At  dark,  the  firing  ceased  on  both  sides.  Cornwallis  encamped 
with  his  troops  near  the  village,  expecting  to  receive  a reinforcement 
early  the  next  morning,  when  he  should  be  well  prepared  to  renew 
the  attack.  The  fires  kindled  by  the  two  armies  were  in  full  view  of 
each  other. 

9.  The  situation  of  the  Americans  was  exceedingly  critical.  The 
forces  of  Cornwallis,  if  they  were  concentrated  at  Trenton,  as  there 
was  reason  to  expect,  were  greatly  superior  to  those  of  Washington, 
tf  a battle  should  be  hazarded  in  the  morning  it  was  with  almost  a 
certainty  of  being  defeated.  But  the  Delaware  could  not  now  be 
crossed  with  safety,  on  account  of  broken  ice. 

10.  But  there  was  another  difficulty  in  the  way  of  recrossing  the 
river.  It  would  leave  New  Jersey  wholly  to  the  enemy,  depress  the 
public  mind,  check  the  enlistment  of  recruits,  of  which  the  army  stood 
in  great  need,  and  leave  open  the  door  to  an  attack  on  Philadelphia. 


CHAPTEE  Cl. 

Period  of  the  Kevoltjtionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
near  Princeton, 

1.  Tbe  final  determination  was,  to  march  by  a circuitous  route  as 
quickly  as  possible,  to  Princeton,  and,  if  possible,  proceed  to  Bruns- 
wick, where  Lord  Cornwallis  had  stores.  In  order,  however,  to 
secure  the  baggage,  Washington  had  it  removed,  as  secretly  as  possible, 
to  Burlington. 

2.  The  army  commenced  its  march  at  midnight.  With  a view  to 
deceive  the  British,  the  fires  were  left  unextinguished;  the  guards 
even  remained  to  keep  them  burning  brightly,  as  well  as  to  watch  the 
bridge  and  fords  of  the  rivulet  till  daylight,  when  they  were  to  follow 
the  army.  The  project  succeeded  to  a charm,  and  a little  after  sunrise, 
next  morning,  Washington’s  army  was  seen  approaching  Princeton. 

3.  Here  he  met  with  some  British  regiments  on  the  march,  and  one 
of  the  hottest  battles  ensued  which  was  fought  during  the  whole  war. 
At  first,  the  British,  with  fixed  bayonets,  compelled  the  Americans  to 
retreat,  with  considerable  loss,  and,  among  the  rest,  that  of  General 
Mercer  of  Virginia. 


8.  What  was  the  state  of  both  armies  at  dark  ? 9.  What  was  the  situation  of  the 

Americans  ? 10.  What  good  reasons  were  there  for  not  crossing  the  Delaware  ? 

Chap.  CI.— 1.  What  was  finally  determined  upon  ? What  did  Washington  do  as  to  the 
baggage?  2.  What  was  done  to  deceive  the  British ? What  of  Washington’s  army  ? B 
What  now  ensued  ? Result  to  the  Americans  ? 

19 


218 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  Washington,  with  the  main  body  of  the  army,  now/^ame  on,  and 
renewed  the  attack  with  great  spirit.  Contrary  to  his  usual  policy, 
and  the  policy  of  the  war  generally,  he  exposed  himself,  for  a time,  to 
the  hottest  fire  of  the  enemy.  At  length,  victory  was  declared  in 
favor  of  the  Americans. 

5.  But  it  was  dearly  bought.  In  addition  to  the  brave  General 
Mercer,  two  colonels  from  Pennsylvania,  and  several  other  valuable 
officers,  were  among  the  slain.  The  total  loss  of  the  Americans  was  not 
stated.  It  was  only  said  that  while  the  British  lost  one  hundred  killed 
and  three  hundred  prisoners,  the  American  loss  was  somewhat  less. 

6.  Lord  Cornwallis  discovered,  at  daylight,  that  the  Americans  had 
escaped,  upon  which  he  followed  on  'to  Princeton.  But  he  arrived 
a little  too  late  to  engage  in  the  conflict,  Washington  having  retired, 
in  his  usual  prudent  manner,  toward  Morristown.  Here  the  army 
took* up  their  quarters  for  the  winter. 

7.  It  was  time  for  them  to  do  so,  for  it  was  not  only  January,  but 
the  troops  needed  repose,  as  well  as  almost  every  thing  else.  During 
their  late  marches  many  of  them  had  been  without  shoes,  and  their 
naked  feet,  in  passing  over  the  frozen  ground,  were  so  gashed  as  to 
mark  every  step  with  blood.  Moreover,  there  was  scarcely  a tent  in 
the  whole  army. 

8.  Though  the  main  body  of  the  army  was  stationed  at  Morristown,  a 
small  body  of  troops,  under  General  Putnam,  wintered  at  Princeton. 
These,  with  the  volunteers  and  militia,  completely  overran  Hew  Jersey. 
One  party  surprised  Elizabethtown,  and  took  one  hundred  prisoners. 
Another  took  sixty  refugees  on  British  pay.  Another,  still,  beside 
some  prisoners,  took  forty  wagons,  one  hundred  horses,  &c.  General 
Putnam,  alone,  with  his  small  army,  captured,  during  the  winter, 
about  one  thousand  prisoners ! 

9.  There  had  been,  for  some  time,  a great  want  of  arms  and 
ammunition  in  the  American  army ; but,  about  this  time,  a twenty- 
four  gun  vessel  arrived  from  France,  with  eleven  thousand  stand 
of  arms  and  one  thousand  barrels  of  powder.  At  the  same  time,  also, 
ten  thousand  stand  of  arms  arrived  in  another  quarter. 

10.  It  is  also  worthy  of  record  that  the  smallpox  having  appeared 
among  the  regular  troops  at  Morristown,  during  the  winter,  Wash- 
ington had  his  soldiers  nearly  all  inoculated.  The  disease  was  light, 
except  in  a very  few  instances;  not  a day  passing  in  which  they  could 
not,  had  they  been  called  upon,  have  encountered  the  enemy. 


4.  What  of  Washington?  5.  What  officers  did  the  Americans  lose ? What  of  the 
British  loss?  6.  What  did  Lord  Cornwallis  then  do?  Where  did  the  American  army 
encamp  for  the  winter?  7.  What  had  been  the  state  of  the  troops?  8.  What  of  the 
troops  under  Putnam?  What  success  had  they  during  the  winter?  9,  What  arms  au<? 
ammunition  did  the  Americans  now  receive  ? 10.  What  of  the  smallpox  ? 


ATTACK  ON  DANBURY. 


219 


CHAPTEE  CII. 

Period  of  the  Ee  volution  ary  War,  Continued. — Attack 
on  Danbury, 

1.  In  the  spring  of  1777,  the  British  commander  in  New  York 
amused  himself  by  sending  out  detachments  of  troops  to  ravage  the 
country.  One  of  these  was  sent  against  some  military  stores  at 
Peekskill,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson,  about  fifty  miles  above 
New  York.  On  its  approach,  the  Americans  fired  the  storehouses 
and  retired. 

2.  On  the  26th  of  April,  General  Tryon,  with  a detachment  of  two 
thousand  men,  made  an  expedition  to  Connecticut  for  a similar  pur- 
pose. He  landed  near  Fairfield,  and  marched  through  the  country, 
with  the  greatest  possible  speed,  and  almost  without  opposition,  to 
Danbury. 

3.  The  few  militia  who  were  at  Danbury  fied  to  a neighboring 
height,  and  waited  for  a reinforcement.  The  British,  in  the  mean 
time,  destroyed  eighteen  houses,  eight  hundred  barrels  of  pork  and 
beef,  eight  hundred  barrels  of  flour,  and  two  thousand  bushels  of 
grain.  Seventeen  hundred  tents  were  also  either  destroyed  or  carried 
away.  Nothing  was  spared  but  the  houses  of  the  tories. 

4.  On  their  return  through  Bidgefield,  they  found  the  road  blocked 
up  by  General  Arnold  with  five  hundred  men.  They  also  soon  found 
themselves  attacked  in  the  rear  by  Generals  Wooster  and  Silliman, 
with  a force  of  three  hundred.  A skirmish  ensued,  in  which  General 
Wooster  was  mortally  wounded  and  his  troops  driven  back.  They  then 
proceeded  and  were  met  by  General  Arnold. 

5.  A sharp  conflict  ensued.  A whole  platoon  fired  at  Arnold, 
when  he  was  not  over  thirty  yards  distant,  but  they  only  killed  his 
horse.  A soldier  advanced  toward  him  with  his  bayonet,  but  Arnold 
shot  him  dead  with  his  pistol,  and  escaped.  But  two  thousand  regu- 
lar troops  were  too  strong  for  eight  hundred  raw  militia,  and  the  latter 
were  dispersed. 

6.  Arnold,  however,  returned  to  the  attack  next  day  at  eleven  o’clock, 
and  opposed  the  British  till  five  in  the  afternoon,  when  they  reached 
their  ships.  Even  here  the  Americans  charged  upon  them,  but  were  re- 
pulsed. The  British  now  embarked  for  New  Y^ork  ; not,  however, 
without  the  loss  of  nearly  three  hundred  of  their  men. 

Chap,  oil.— 1.  What  can  you  say  of  the  conduct  of  the  British  in  1777?  What  of 
Peekskill  ? 2.  General  Tryon  ? 3.  What  destruction  did  the  British  make  at  Danbury  ? 
4.  What  occurred  at  Ridgefield  5.  What  of  General  Arnold  ? 6.  What  did  Arnold  do 
the  aext  day  ? Result  of  the  conflict  ? 


220  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

7.  Arnold  behaved,  on  this  occasion,  with  great  bravery ; as,  indeed, 
up  to  this  hour,  be  always  had  done.  On  account  of  his  good  conduct. 
Congress  presented  him  with  a fine,  nobly  caparisoned  war-horse.  To  the 
memory  of  General  Wooster,  they  ordered  a monument  to  be  erected. 
This,  however,  was  not  executed,  but  in  1854,  a suitable  monument 
was  completed,  and  consecrated  at  Danbury,  by  the  citizens  of  the 
state. 


PULASKI. 


CHAPTEE  cm. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
of  the  Brandywine, 

1.  Dueing  the  spring  of  this  year,  1777,  Washington  remained  en- 
trenched among  the  hills  of  INew  Jersey — the  army  daily  and  hourly 
gaining  strength  by  new  recruits.  His  forces  at  length  amounted  to 
fifteen  thousand  men,  and  the  British  were  becoming  afraid  of  him^ 
In  the  latter  part  of  the  spring,  his  camp  was  at  Middlebrook. 

2.  17ews  was  received  about  this  time  that  General  Burgoyne, 
with  a large  force,  was  approaching  Ticonderoga,  from  Canada ; and 


7.  What  was  Arnold’s  conduct  on  this  occasion?  What  was  done  by  Congress? 
Chap.  CIII. — 1 What  of  the  American  forces  during  the  spring  of  1777? 


BATTLE  OF  THE  BRANDYWINE. 


221 


there  was  room  for  suspicion  that  he  aimed  at  New  England.  It  was 
thought  that  the  British  were  likely  to  pass  up  the  Hudson  to  meet 
and  join  him,  instead  of  making  the  long- threatened  attack  on 
Philadelphia. 

3.  All  doubt  was,  however,  dissipated  by  the  arrival  in  the  Chesa- 
peake,* * in  the  month  of  July,  of  the  British  fleet  from  New  York,  with 
sixteen  thousand  men,  under  General  Howe.  By  the  3d  of  September 
they  were  rapidly  approaching  Philadelphia.  Washington,  who  had  kept 
his  eye  on  all  their  movements,  was  on  the  road  to  meet  them.  The 
two  armies  met  at  a place  called  Chad’s  Ford,  on  the  river  Brandy- 
wine, about  twenty -five  miles  south-west  from  Philadelphia. 

4.  Here,  on  the  11th  of  September,  a severe  battle  took  place, 
which  lasted  nearly  all  day.  The  Americans  were  at  length  defeated 
with  very  great  loss.  They  then  made  the  best  of  their  way  to 
Chester,  where  they  arrived  that  night,  and  the  next  day  they  pro- 
ceeded to  Philadelphia. 

5.  Among  the  wounded  of  the  American  army,  were  General 
Woodford  and  the  Marquis  de  La  Fay-ette'.  The  latter  had  only  just 
arrived  from  France ; his  commission  in  the  army  was  dated  July  31st. 
He  fought  for  the  Americans,  except  when  absent  on  their  account  in 
France,  till  the  end  of  the  war ; and  always  without  pay.  The  Count 
Pu-las'-ki,t  who  had  arrived  with  La  Fayette,  also  fought  for  our  coun- 
try, for  the  first  time,  in  this  battle. 

6.  Washington  was  very  much  chagrined  at  this  defeat.  But  neither 
the  public  mind  nor  Congress  itself  would  have  been  satisfied,  without 
at  least  an  attempt  to  prevent  the  British  from  entering  Philadelphia. 
Indeed,  Congress  advised  him  to  hazard  a second  battle,  and  he  was 
on  the  16th  of  September,  about  to  do  so ; but  an  unexpected  shower 
wet  the  powder  in  the  cartridge-boxes  of  the  troops,  and  he  was 
obliged  to  give  it  up. 


2.  What  news  was  received  of  General  Burgoyne  ? What  was  thought  likely  to  he 
done  by  the  British?  3.  What  general  was  at  their  head ? Where  did  Washington 
meet  him?  4.  What  was  the  result  of  the  battle?  5.  What  ohicers  were  wounded? 
What  of  Marquis  La  Fayette  ? Count  Pulaski  ? Kosciusko?  6.  What  greatly  chagrined 
W ashington  ? What  of  Congress  ? 

* They  went  up  the  Chesapeake  because  they  had  heard  that  the  Delaware  was  ob» 
structed. 

t The  cause  of  the  Americans,  struggling  for  their  independence,  brought  to^^their  aid 
a number  of  Europeans  who  sympathized  with  them,  and  generously  exerted  themselves 
in  their  behalf.  Among  these  was  La  Fayette,  whose  name  is  almost  as  dear  and  as  familiar 
to  the  Americans  as  that  of  Washington.  Another  was  Pulaski,  a Polish  nobleman,  who 
had  distinguished  himself  in  his  own  country,  and  became  a brigadier-general  in  our  army. 
He  fought  bravely  in  several  engagements,  and  finally  fell  in  an  assault  on  Savannah,  in 
1779.  There  is  a monument  erected  to  his  memory  in  that  place.  Kosciusko,  a Polish  re- 
fugee, and  one  of  the  noblest  characters  in  history,  also  came  over  to  Americf*  and  did 
good  service  in  our  cause. 

19* 


222 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


7.  The  British  also  gained  some  other  advantages  about  this  time; 
among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  surprise  and  defeat  of  General 
Wayne.  He  had  been  sent  with  fifteen  hundred  men  to  harass  the 
British  army,  and  cut  ofi^  straggling  parties.  The  enemy,  having  found 
out  his  position,  came  suddenly  upon  him,  and  killed  and  wounded  about 
three  hundred  of  his  men. 

8.  It  was  at  length  concluded  to  quit  the  city  and  neighborhood  of 
Philadelphia,  and  repair  to  a strong  position  on  the  Schuylkill,  twenty 
miles  northward.  The  British,  on  the  26th  of  September,  entered 
Philadelphia,  and  posted  the  main  body  of  their  forces  at  Germantown, 
seven  miles  to  the  north. 


CHAPTER  CIV. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Capture 
of  General  Prescott^  in  Rhode  Island. 

1.  Amono  the  many  daring  exploits  which  took  place  during  the 
war,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  was  the  capture  of  General  Prescott. 
On  the  10th  of  July,  of  this  year,  1777,  while  the  British,  under  this 
officer,  had  complete  possession  of  the  island  of  Ehode  Island,  and  lay 
encamped  on  the  western  side  of  it,  one  Barton,  a militia  colonel,  of 
Warwick,  having  learned,  from  a deserter,  their  exact  position,  planned 
and  executed  an  attack  upon  them  as  singular  as  it  was  successful. 

2.  He  first  collected  together  his  regiment,  and  then  asked  which  ot 
them  would  hazard  their  lives  in  an  expedition  he  was  about  to  under- 
take. Such,  he  said,  as  were  willing,  might  signify  it  by  stepping  two 
paces  forward.  As  he  was  known  to  be  worthy  of  their  confidence, 
every  man  of  them  stepped  forward. 

3.  Having  made  a selection  of  forty  of  the  boldest  and  stoutest  of 
them,  and  procured  five  whale-boats,  they  started  off  at  nine  o’clock 
in  the  evening.  He  directed  them  to  sit  perfectly  still,  like  statues, 
and  merely  attend  to  and  obey  his  orders.  His  own  boat  went  for- 
ward, and  to  distinguish  it,  had  a long  pole  extended  from  the  fore 
part,  with  a handkerchief  tied  to  it. 

4.  As  they  rowed  by  Prudence  Island,  they  heard  the  English 


7.  What  of  General  Wayne  ? 8.  What  was  at  length  concluded  upon  by  the  Americans  f 
Wliere  did  the  British  post  themselves  ? 

Chap  CIV. ^1.  Where  were  some  British  troops  encamped  in  July,  1777?  What  did 

Colonel  Barton  undertake  ? 2.  How  did  he  select  men  for  his  enterprise  ? S.  How  did 
they  proceed  in  their  expedition?  How  was  Barton’s  boat  signalized? 


CAPTURE  OF  GENERAL  PRESCOTT. 


223 


guard  cry,  “All’s  well.”  A noise  was  heard  on  the  mainland,  like 
the  trampling  of  horses,  but,  as  it  was  very  dark,  nothing  could  be 
seen,  and  not  a whisper  was  uttered.  At  length  they  landed,  and  set 
off  for  General  Prescott’s  lodgings,  about  a mile  from  the  shore. 

5.  In  going  along,  they  were  obliged  to  pass  a house  occupied  by  a 

company  of  cavalry.  “ Who  comes  there?”  said  the  sentinel.  They 
said  nothing  and  moved  on.  “ Who  comes  there  ?”  said  the  sentinel 
again.  “Friends,”  said  Barton.  “ Advance,  friends,  and  give  the 
countersign,”  said  the  sentinel.  “ We  have  none,”  said  Barton;  “but 
have  you  seen  any  deserters  to-night?”  ^ 

6.  In  an  instant,  the  sentinel  found  himself  seized,  his  musket 
wrested  from  him,  and  himself  pinioned.  “ Say  not  a single  word,” 
said  Barton,  “ on  penalty  of  instant  death.”  Terribly  frightened,  and 
unable  to  make  any  resistance,  he  yielded  to  the  command,  and  they 
took  him  along  with  them. 

7.  They  soon  reached  a house,  burst  the  door,  and  rushed  in.  A 
British  soldier,  in  his  shirt,  ran  to  awake  and  rouse  the  cavalry ; but 
the  men  would  not  believe  a word  he  said,  and  only  laughed  at  him. 
He  confessed  that  the  creature  he  had  seen,  who  it  happened  was 
Colonel  Barton,  was  dressed  in  white,  which  only  increased  the  laugh, 
and  so  it  ended. 

8.  “ Is  General  Prescott  here  ?”  said  Barton,  in  a resolute  tone,  to 
the  master  of  the  house.  “Ho,  sir,”  said  the  poor  fellow,  frightened 
almost  to  death.  Having  secured  him  as  a prisoner,  they  proceeded 
to  search,  but  could  not  find  Prescott.  At  this  instant.  Barton,  from 
the  head  of  the  stairs,  called  to  his  men  to  fire  the  house  at  the  four 
corners,  as  he  would  have  General  Prescott,  either  dead  or  alive. 

9.  Firebrands  were  already  in  motion,  when  somebody  in  the  next 
room  asked,  “ What  is  the  matter  ?”  Barton  burst  open  the  door, 
and  found  an  elderly  gentleman  sitting  up  in  bed.  “ Are  you  Gen- 
eral Prescott?”  said  he.  “Yes,  sir,”  was  the  reply.  “You  are  my 
prisoner,  then,”  said  Barton,  clapping  him  on  the  shoulder.  He 
begged  the  favor  of  putting  on  his  clothes,  but  they  only  wrapped  a 
cloak  about  him,  and  a stout  negro  man  carried  him  to  the  boats. 

10.  Major  Barrington  had  leaped  from  the  window  while  they  were 
seizing  General  Prescott,  but  he  too  was  taken  and  hurried  away  to 
the  boats.  They  had  scarcely  rowed  through  the  British  fleet,  when 
a discharge  of  cannon  convinced  them  that  they  were  discovered,  and 
fifty  boats  were  on  tne  pursuit. 


4.  What  did  they  hear  among  the  British  ? 5.  Describe  the  meeting  with  the  sentinel. 

6.  What  did  Barton  do  with  the  sentinel?  7.  What  did  the  British  soldier  do?  8.  What 
means  were  taken  to  secure  Prescott  ? 9.  Describe  the  meeting  between  Barton  and 
Prescott.  10,  What  other  officer  was  taken  ? 


224 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


11.  But  the  pursuers  were  a little  too  late.  Colonel  Barton,  with 
his  prisoners,  soon  landed  at  Warwick  Point.  “You  have  made  a 
hold  push,  colonel,”  said  General  Prescott,  as  he  stepped  ashore. 
“Thank  you,”  said  Barton,  with  a bow,  have  djone  as  well  as  we 
couldy 


CHAPTER  CV. 

Period  of*  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Events 
in  the  North, — Approach  of  Burgoyne. — Mwcder  of 
Miss  McRea, — Attack  upon  Fort  Schuyler, 

1.  The  movements  of  Bur-goyne'  at  the  north  have  been  alluded 
to.  He  had  arrived  at  Quebec  in  May  of  this  year,  1777,  and  while 
the  British  troops  in  the  Middle  States  had  been  advancing  to  Phila- 
delphia, he  had  begun  bis  march  by  way  of  the  river  Sorel  and  Lakes 
Champlain  and  George,  toward  Albany,  where  he  hoped  to  meet  ColoneX 
St.  Leger,  who  was  to  come  from  Lake  Ontario,  by  way  of  the  Mo- 
hawk. 

2.  General  Burgoyne  was  an  ambitious,  enterprising,  and  able 
officer.  Fifteen  years  before,  he  had  been  engaged  in  the  wars  of 
Great  Britain  with  the  Portuguese  and  Spaniards,  and,  during  the 
siege  of  Boston,  he  had  been  for  a short  time  employed  there.  He 
set  out  from  Canada  with  more  than  seven  thousand  men,  beside  a 
considerable  body  of  artillery,  and  a thousand  Canadian  volunteers. 

3.  On  the  20th  of  June,  he  proceeded  up  Lake  Champlain,  and 
landed  near  Crown  Point,  where  he  met  some  Indians,  to  whom  he 
made  a war  speech  and  gave  the  hand  of  friendship.  Accompanied 
by  a considerable  body  of  tlie  Indians,  he  advanced  to  Crown  Point 
and  soon  afterward  to  Ticonderoga. 

4.  This  xfiace  was  defended  by  three  thousand  men,  under  General 
St.  Clair.  At  a council  of  war  it  was  concluded  to  leave  the  fort  at 
once ; but  the  British  came  up  with  the  rear  of  their  army,  at  Hub- 
bardton,  as  they  were  leaving  it,  and  a battle  ensued,  in  which  two 
hundred  Americans  were  killed,  six  hundred  wounded,  and  two  hun- 
dred taken  prisoners. 

5.  The  invading  army  reached  Fort  Edward,  on  the  Hudson,  July 


11.  What  did  General  Prescott  say  to  Barton  ? His  reply  ? 

CuAP.  CV. — 1.  What  of  General  Burgoyne  ? 2.  How  had  he  formerly  been  engaged? 
3.  By  whom  was  he  joined  at  Crown  Point?  4.  How  was  Ticonderoga  defended?  What 
was  the  loss  of  the  Americans  in  the  engagement  at  Hubbardton? 


MURDER  OF  MISS  Me  REA. 


225 


30,  having  destroyed  much  American  property  on  the  road.  Here 
they  made  a halt,  while  the  troops,  especially  the  Indian  allies,  rav- 
aged the  country.  It  was  at  the  time  these  soldiers  were  quartered 
here,  that  the  famous  murder  of  Miss  McEea,  a beautiful  and  accom- 
plished American  lady,  took  place. 

6.  She  was  to  have  been  married  soon,  to  a young  Englishman,  and 
he  had  sent  two  Indians,  whom  he  considered  trustworthy,  to  guide  her 
across  the  woods  to  the  place  where  he  was  stationed.  On  their  way, 
the  Indians  fell  into  a quarrel  which  should  have  the  offered  reward 
for  transporting  her,  when,  to  end  the  dispute,  one  of  them  killed  her 
with  his  tomahawk. 

7.  General  Schuyler,  who  had  commanded  Fort  Edward  previous  to 
the  arrival  of  Burgoyne,  had  with  him  a force  of  about  four  thousand 
four  hundred  men.  On  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  he  had  annoyed 
them  greatly  by  felling  trees  in  the  roads  and  destroying  bridges ; but 
finding  them  too  strong  for  him,  he  had  abandoned  the  fort,  and  re- 
treated across  the  Hudson  to  Sar-a-to'-ga. 

8.  Colonel  St.  Leger,  with  an  army  of  British  regulars,  Hew  York 
tories  and  Indians,  had  by  this  time  approached  Fort  Schuyler,  at  the 
head  of  the  Mohawk  River,  where  Rome  now  stands,  and  laid  siege  to  it. 
A body  of  militia,  on  their  way  to  act  in  its  defence,  was  ambushed  by 
the  Indians,  and  four  hundred  of  them  killed,  mortally  wounded,  or  taken. 

9.  After  much  skirmishing,  and  some  hotly-contested  battles  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  fort,  in  which  victory  was  alternately  on  the  side 
of  the  British  and  the  Americans,  General  Arnold,  who  had  been  sent 
to  the  relief  of  the  fort,  and  who  was  not  wanting  in  ingenuity,  devised 
a stratagem  for  drawing  off  the  Indians  from  St.  Leger’s  army,  which 
so  weakened  it  that  he  was  compelled  to  raise  the  siege. 


CHAPTEE  CYI. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Prog- 
ress of  Burgoyne, — Battle  of  Bennington, — Battle  of 
Stillwater, 

1.  While  Burgoyne,  with  his  army,  was  at  Fort  Edward,  he  learned 
that  the  Americans  had  a considerable  amount  of  military  stores  and 


5.  What  of  the  invading  army  ? Who  was  murdered  while  the  British  were  at  Fort 
Edward  ? 6.  What  was  the  cause  of  her  murder?  7.  Who  had  commanded  Fort  Edward  ? 
What  did  General  Schuyler  do  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy?  8.  What  of  Colonel  St 
Leger  ? 9.  What  was  done  by  General  Arnold  ? 

10* 


226 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


provisions  at  Bennington.  With  a view  to  secure  them,  he  sent  out 
Colonel  Baum,  a brave  German  officer,  with  five  hundred  German 
troops  and  one  hundred  Indians. 

2.  According  to  a manuscript  order  of  General  Burgoyne’s,  the  num- 
ber of  these  Germans  was  three  times  as  great  as  has  just  been  stated. 
But  whether  there  were  fifteen  hundred  or  only  five  hundred,  they 
were  not  only  very  clumsy,  hut  very  inefficient  troops.  Their  hats 
and  swords  alone  weighed  nearly  as  much  as  the  whole  equipment  of 
a common  soldier ; and  they  could  scarcely  march  under  their  weight. 

3.  When  Colonel  Baum,  with  his  troops,  was  within  seven  miles  of 
Bennington,  he  learned  that  the  Americans  were  strongly  entrenched, 
and  were  hourly  expecting  a reinforcement.  He  therefore  halted, 
sent  back  information  to  Burgoyne,  and  waited  for  further  orders. 
Burgoyne  immediately  sent  five  hundred  more  German  troops  to  his 
assistance. 

4.  But  before  the  arrival  of  these  last.  General  Stark,  with  a body 
of  Hew  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts  militia,  had  determined  to  attack 
Colonel  Baum  in  his  position.  The  battle  began  about  three  o’clock 
in  the  afternoon,  August  16,  when  the  Germans  were  defeated  and 
dispersed,  and  Colonel  Baum  mortally  wounded. 

5.  The  pursuit  of  the  Americans  was  checked,  for  the  moment,  by 
the  arrival  of  the  reinforcement  which  Burgoyne  had  sent ; but  the 
latter  soon  expended  their  ammunition,  and  were  obliged  to  retreat 
with  their  companions,  with  a loss  of  six  hundred  in  killed  and  pris- 
oners, beside  one  thousand  stand  of  arms  and  nine  hundred  swords. 

6.  It  is  said  that  in  order  to  animate  his  soldiers,  who  were  unused 
to  war.  General  Stark,  before  the  opening  of  the  battle,  appealed  thus 
to  their  sympathies : “My  fellow-soldiers,”  said  he,  “we  conquer  to- 
day, or  to-night  Mary  Stark  is  a widow.”  The  appeal  had  effect;  the 
soldiers  fought  as  if  in  full  view  of  their  homes  and  firesides. 

7.  General  Stark  had  been  in  the  old  French  and  Indian  war,  and 
was  once  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians.  He  was  also  at  Bunker  Hill 
and  Trenton.  He  was  a brave  man  and  good  citizen,  and  was  the  last 
surviving  general  of  the  American  Revolution.  He  died  at  Manchester, 
in  Hew  Hampshire,  in  1822,  aged  ninety -four  years. 

8.  After  St.  Leger  abandoned  the  siege  of  Fort  Schuyler,  he  re- 
turned to  Montreal.  Both  he  and  Burgoyne  had  done  their  utmost  to 
effect  a junction  of  their  troops  at  Albany,  but  had  been  hindered  more 


Chap.  CYI. — 1.  Who  did  Burgoyne  send  to  Bennington  ? 2.  What  can  you  say  of 
the  German  soldiers?  8.  What  occasioned  Colonel  Baum’s  delay?  4.  Describe  the 
attack  of  General  Stark.  5.  What  of  the  reinforcement?  6.  How  did  Stark  appeal  to 
his  soldiers  before  the  battle?  7.  Give  some  account  of  him.  8.  What  of  St.  Leger  and 
Burgoyne  ? 


BATTLE  OF  BENNINGTON. 


227 


by  tbe  Americans  than  they  expected.  The  condition  of  Burgoyne^ 
moreover,  was  now  becoming  every  day  more  and  more  critical. 

9.  On  the  21st  of  August  General  Gates  arrived  at  the  American 
camp,  Congress,  on  the  4th,  having  given  to  him  the  command  of  the 
northern  army.  General  Arnold  also  joined  them  about  the  same 
time.  Burgoyne,  however,  continued  to  advance,  it  being  easier  for 
him  to  get  forward  than  backward. 


9.  What  of  Generals  Gates  and  Arnold  ? 


228 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


10.  The  two  armies  met  on  the  19th  of  September  near  Still'- wa-ter, 
twenty -two  miles  north  from  Albany.  Here  a severe  battle  was  fonght 
for  four  hours,  which  was  only  checked  by  night  and  darkness.  Both 
armies,  however,  had  suffered  so  much  that  they  did  not  choose  to 
renew  the  battle  next  morning.  They  were  in  sight  of  each  other  till 
October  7,  when  a second  battle  was  fought,  in  which  Burgoyne  was 
defeated. 


10.  Describe  the  battle  at  Stillwater.  What  of  a second  battle  ? 


CAPTURE  OF  BURGOYNE. 


229 


CHAPTEK  CYII. 


Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Oontinuih). — Capture 
of  Burgoyne. 


1.  After  the  second  battle  of  Stillwater,  Burgoyne,  with  his  troops, 

retreated  to  Sar- 
atoga. His  army 
was  exceedingly 
crippled,  having 
lost,  in  both  en- 
gagements, from 
twelve  to  fifteen 
hundred  men, 
and  at  least  one 
valuable  officer, 
General  Frazer. 
The  Americans 
too  had  suffered, 
but  uot  so  severe- 
ly; among  others, 
General  Arnold 
was  wounded. 

2.  The  British  general  had  now  abandoned  his  haughty  designs  of 
conquest,  and  thought  only  of  escape.  Perceiving  his  object,  General 
Gates  posted  several  strong  detachments  of  his  army  in  situations  to 
cut  off  his  retreat. 

3.  Burgoyne’s  first  attempt  was  to  reach  Fort  George,  by  way  of  Fort 
Edward.  Finding  his  path  unexpectedly  obstructed,  he  caused  his 
army  to  march  by  night;  still  he  found  his  retreat  intercepted.  About 
this  time,  moreover,  the  news  came  that  Fort  Edward  had  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

4.  Every  door  of  escape  now  seemed  closed,  and  every  hope  fled. 
Incessant  toil  and  sickness,  with  much  severe  fighting,  had  worn  down 
h'S  army  to  three  thousand  five  hundred  effective  men,  and  even  these 
were  almost  destitute  of  provisions ; while  the  American  army  was 
daily  increasing  in  numbers  and  courage.  It  is  said  that  Burgoyne  hao 
two  thousand  five  hundred  on  the  sick  list. 


SURRENDER  OF  BURGOYNE. 


Chap.  CYII. — 1.  What  was  the  loss  sustained  hy  the  Bvitish  and  American  forces  ? 2 
How  was  Burgoyne’s  plan  of  escape  disconcerted  by  General  GattoS?  £.  Vhat  attenipu 
did  Burgoyne  make  at  escape  ? 4.  State  of  3i?<s  army  ? 

20 


230 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  In  these  circumstances  he  called  a council  of  war,  at  which  it  was 

decided  to  surrender  the  army  to  General  Gates.  The  preliminaries 
were  soon  settled,  and  the  whole  army,  amounting  to  five  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  fifty-two  men,  with  five  thousand  stand  of  arms, 
was  given  up  to  the  Americans  on  the  17th  of  October,  1777.  / 

6.  The  capture  of  an  entire  army  was,  of  course,  a matter  of  much 
exultation  with  the  American  people,  as  it  more  than  compensated  for 
the  reverses  at  and  near  Philadelphia.  The  thanks  of  Congress  were 
voted  to  General  Gates,  and  a gold  medal  was  struck  and  presented  to 
him  by  the  president,  in  the  name  of  the  United  States. 

7.  The  surrender  of  Burgoyne  was  followed  by  the  reduction  of 
several  British  posts  in-  the  north.  Mount  Defiance  and  Mount  Hope 
had  even  surrendered  to  General  Lincoln  as  early  as  September  13, 
and  Mount  Independence  and  Ticonderoga  gave  up  soon  afterward. 
An  armed  sloop  was  also  taken,  and  two  hundred  and  ninety  prisoners. 

8.  Although  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  with  his  troops,  had  not  been  able 
to  proceed  up  the  Hudson,  to  meet  Burgoyne,  yet  he  had  done  that 
which  might  have  encouraged  the  latter,  had  it  been  in  time.  He  had 
taken  several  forts  on  and  near  the  Hudson  Eiver  above  Hew  York, 
among  which  were  Forts  Clinton  and  Montgomery. 


CHAPTER  OVIIl. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  W ar,  Continued. — The  War 
on  the  Ocean, 

1.  Before  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  the  colonies  had  no  navy  ex- 
cept a few  vessels  fitted  out  to  cruise  for  pirates  or  to  transport  troops. 
But  as  soon  as  the  war  was  fairly  begun,  this  subject  engaged  the  at- 
tention of  public  men. 

2.  In  October,  1775,  Congress  ordered  one  vessel  of  ten  guns  and 
another  of  fourteen  to  be  equipped  as  national  cruisers,  and  to  be  sent 
to  the  eastward  on  a cruise  of  three  months,  to  intercept  supplies  de- 
signed for  the  royal  troops.  On  the  30th  of  the  same  month,  two  more 
vessels,  one  of  thirty-six  and  the  other  of  twenty  guns,  were  ordered. 

3.  In  October,  1776,  the  Americans  had  five  frigates  of  thirty-two 
guns,  five  vessels  of  twenty-eight  guns,  and  three  of  twenty-four,  in 


5.  Describe  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  6.  What  was  the  effect  on  the  Americans  ? 
What  of  General  Gates?  7.  What  followed  these  events?  8.  What  had  been  done  by- 
Clinton  ? 

CuAP.  CVIII. — 1.  What  of  the  American  navy  before  the  Revolution  ? 2.  What  did 
Congress  order  in  October,  1775? 


THE  WAR  ON  THE  OCEAN. 


231 


course  of  building,  and  several  were  ready  for  sea.  One  twenty-four, 

one  twenty,  two  six- 
teens,  three  fourteens, 
one  twelve,  two  tens, 
and  two  or  three  smaller 
vessels,  were  actually  in 
the  service.  Congress, 
at  this  time,  ordered 
three  seventy -fours,  five 
frigates,  and  two  smaller 
vessels,  to  be  built. 

4.  The  Alfred,  a twen- 
ty-four gun  ship,  was, 
as  we  have  seen,  the 
largest  in  service.  Of 

FLAG  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES — THE  STARS  AND  STRIPES.  thiS  VeSSel,  Dudley  Sal- 

tonstall  was  captain,  and 
John  Paul  Jones  first-lieutenant.  The  first  ensign  ever  shown  by  a 
regular  American  man-of-war  was  hoisted  on  board  the  Alfred,  by 
Lieutenant  Jones,  in  December,  1775. 

5.  What  this  ensign  was  is  not  now  known  with  certainty.  It  is 
said,  however,  to  have  been  a device  representing  a pine-tree,  with  a 
rattlesnake  coiled  at  its  root,  and  about  to  strike,  with  the  motto, 

Don’t  tread  on  me!'''  The  present  national  colors  were  not  adopted 
by  Congress  till  the  year  1777. 

6.  The  first  regular  cruisers  ever  got  to  sea  under  the  new  govern- 
ment, were  the  Hornet  of  ten  guns,  and  the  Wasp  of  eight.  The  first 
battle  fought  was  off  the  Bermudas,  April  6,  1776,  between  the  Alfred 
and  Cabot  on  the  American  side,  and  the  British  ship  Glasgow,  of 
twenty  guns.  The  Americans  fought  well,  but  the  enemy  escaped 
them. 

7.  On  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  the  Lexington,  of  sixteen  guns, 
commanded  by  Captain  Barry,  fell  in  with  the  Edward,  an  armed  ten- 
der of  the  ship  Liverpool,  and,  after  a close  and  spirited  action  of  near 
an  hour,  captured  her.  The  Lexington  had  four  men  killed  and 
wounded,  while  the  Edward  was  nearly  cut  to  pieces.  TJiese  battles 
gave  the  people  great  encouragement. 


3 What  increase  was  there  in  1776?  4.  What  of  the  Alfred?  Her  commanders? 
What  of  the  first  flag?  5.  What  was  the  device  ? When  was  the  present  national  flag 
adopted?  6.  What  of  the  Hornet  and  Wasp?  What  was  the  first  naval  battle ? The 
result  ? 7 What  of  the  next  engagement  ? 


232 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CIX. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Exploits 
of  Paul  Jones, 

John  Paul  Jones,  or  as  he  was  commonly  called,  Paul  Jones,* * 

was  transferred,  in  May,  1776, 
from  the  Alfred  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Providence,  a 
vessel  mounting  twelve  guns, 
and  having  on  board  seventy 
men.  In  this,  he  made  six- 
teen prizes  in  little  more  than 
three  weeks.  He  was  also 
twice  chased,  by  British  men- 
of-war,  but  escaped  by  strata- 
gem and  superior  sailing. 

2.  In  1777,  while  the  Brit- 
ish were  taking  possession  of 
Philadelphia,  and  Gates  was 
spreading  a net  for  Burgoyne, 
Paul  Jones  was  in  France,  en- 
deavoring, through  the  influ- 
ence of  the  American  commissioners,  Franklin,  Deane,  and  Lee,  to  get 
the  command  of  a larger  and  better  vessel  than  any  the  Americans  had 
in  the  service. 

3.  Unwilling,  however,  to  be  long  idle,  he  sailed  on  a cruise  in  April, 
1778,  in  the  Banger,  of  eighteen  guns.  With  this  single  little  vessel 
he  kept  the  whole  coast  of  Scotland,  and  part  of  that  of  England,  for 
some  time  in  a state  of  alarm.  He  even  made  a descent,  in  one  in- 
stance, upon  Whitehaven,  and  surprised  and  took  two  forts  with  thirty 
pieces  of  cannon,  and  set  Are  to  the  shipping. 

4.  In  the  vicinity  of  Whitehaven,  an  act  was  committed  by  his  men 
which  Jones  very  much  regretted,  and  did  all  he  could  afterward  to 
atone  for.  The  house  of  the  Earl  of  Selkirk,  in  whose  service  Jones’s 
father  had  been  gardener,  was  robbed  of  its  family  plate.  It  was  re- 


Chap.  CIX. — 1.  Where  was  Paul  Jones  born  ? When  ? What  ship  did  he  now  command  ? 
What  did  he  accomplish  ? 2.  What  did  he  do  in  1777 ? 3.  What  did  he  do  in  the  Ranger? 
4.  Describe  the  attack  upon  Whitehaven. 

* Paul  Jones  was  a native  of  Scotland,  born  in  1736  He  early  settled  in  America,  and 
devoted  himself  with  ardor  to  the  cause  of  the  country  of  his  adoption. 


EXPLOITS  OF  PALi.  JONES. 


233 


turned  after  a time  to  Lady  Selkirk,  with  a letter  of  apology  and  re- 
gret. 

5.  In  May,  not  long  after  the  descent  on  Whitehaven,  Jones  was  en- 
gaged with  the  British  sloop-of-war  Drake,  a vessel  equal  in  size  and 
strength  and  the  number  of  its  men  to  the  Danger,  which,  after  a 
smart  action  of  about  an  hour,  was  captured.  Soon  after  this  event, 
he  sailed  for  Brest,  in  France,  carrying  in  with  him,  it  is  said,  two 
hundred  prisoners. 

6.  But  the  most  remarkable  exploit  of  Jones  remains  to  be  mention- 
ed. In  the  spring  of  1779,  with  the  aid  of  Dr.  Franklin,  who  was 
then  in  France,  he  obtained  the  command  of  a little  squadron  of  five 
vessels,  of  which  the  Bon  Homme  Richard,  his  OAvn  vessel  of  forty -two 
guns,  was  the  largest. 

7.  With  this  little  fleet,  he  set  sail,  June  19,  and  after  a cruise  of  a 
few  weeks  returned.  Two  more  small  vessels  were  now  added  to  his 
squadron,  and  he  sailed  again  on  the  14th  of  August.  On  the  23d  of 
September,  after  a most  desperate  battle,  he  captured  ofl*  Flamborough, 
on  the  north-east  coast  of  England,  the  British  ship  of  war  Se-ra'-pis, 
of  forty-four  guns  and  a full  complement  of  men. 

8.  The  circumstances  of  this  engagement  were  most  extraordinary. 
The  flght  commenced  at  evening,  and  continued  into  the  night.  The 
two  frigates  coming  in  contact,  Jones  lashed  them  together,  and  for 
two  hours  the  dreadful  conflict  was  carried  on  in  this  situation.  At 
last  both  ships  took  fire.  In  this  awful  state  of  things,  the  American 
frigate  Alliance  came  up,  and  in  the  darkness  discharged  a broadside 
into  the  Richard. 

9.  Soon  perceiving  her  mistake,  she  turned  with  fury  upon  the 
Serapis,  which  very  soon  surrendered.  Of  three  hundred  and  fifty 
men  on  board  the  Richard,  three  hundred  were  either  killed  or  wounded. 
The  vessel  was  also  so  shattered  that  she  soon  sank,  the  Americans  be- 
ing transferred  to  the  captured  vessel. 

10.  Another  British  frigate,  the  consort  of  the  Serapis — these  two 
ships  being  engaged  in  convoying  a fleet  of  merchant  vessels  returning 
from  the  Baltic — surrendered  to  the  Americans  during  the  capture  of 
the  Serapis.  With  great  difficulty  Jones  brought  his  shattered  prizes 
into  a , port  of  Holland. 

11.  This  victory  was  considered  as  one  of  the  most  remarkable  feats 
of  the  revolutionary  war.  It  raised  the  reputation  of  Jones  as  a naval 
commander  to  the  highest  pitch,  both  in  Europe  and  America.  The 


5.  "What  of  the  engagement  with  the  Drake  ? How  many  prisoners  had  Jones  made? 
6.  With  how  many  vessels  did  he  sail  June  19?  T.  What  did  he  capture?  8,  9.  Describe 
the  capture  of  the  Serapis.  10.  What  of  her  consort?  11.  What  was  thought  of  this 
victory  ? 

20* 


234 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


king  of  France  presented  him  with  a gold  sword.  Congress  also 
praised  his  zeal,  prudence,  and  intrepidity,  and  voted  him  a gold  medal. 

12.  But,  though  a bold  and  skilful  commander,  Jones  never  knew 
how  to  command  himself,  nor  to  submit  to  the  command  of  others. 
He  was  irritable,  impatient,  and  impetuous,  and  harsh  in  his  mode  of 
government.  So  true  is  it  that  they  only  know  how  to  govern  well, 
who  have  first  learned  to  obey. 

13.  Jones  continued  in  the  war  till  near  its  close,  and  was  afterward 
in  the  service  of  the  Empress  of  Russia.  But  he  was  not  successful ; 
he  finally  became  indigent,  neglected,  and  diseased — the  consequence 
of  his  own  want  of  moral  and  religious  principles  and  good  physical 
habits.  He  died  at  Paris  in  1792. 


CHAPTER  CX. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Battle 
of  Germantown, 

1.  Let  us  now  return  to  the  events  of  the  war  in  1777  at  and  near 
Philadelphia.  The  British  contented  themselves  with  the  quiet  posses- 
sion of  the  city  and  the  adjacent  places,  till  some  time  in  October,  when 
a part  of  their  troops  were  detached  to  assist  Admiral  Howe  and  the 
fleet,  in  reducing  some  forts  on  the  Delaware  below  the  city — the  re- 
mainder continuing  in  Germantown. 

2.  Washington,  who  well  knew  that  the  eyes  of  the  country  were 
upon  him,  seized  this  opportunity  for  attacking  them.  His  forces 
could  not  have  amounted  to  more  than  ten  thousand  men,  and  many 
of  them  were  poorly  armed  and  equipped ; one  thousand  of  them  were 
actually  barefooted,  and  not  a few  actually  sick.  Yet,  under  all  these 
disadvantageous  circumstances,  it  was  thought  necessary  to  hazard  a 
battle. 

3.  At  seven  o’clock  in  the  evening  of  October  3,  the  troops  set  out 
for  Germantown.  The  distance  was  fourteen  miles.  They  marched 
rapidly,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  take  the  enemy  by  surprise.  The  plan 
was  well  contrived  and  well  executed,  and  the  surprise  of  the  British 
was  complete.  The  attack  ’was  made  between  daybreak  and  sunrise 
on  the  morning  of  the  4th. 


12.  What  can  you  say  of  Paul  Jones  as  a man  and  commander?  13.  What  of  Jones’s 
subsequent  life?  When  did  he  die  ? 

CnAP.  CX.  1.— What  were  the  British  now  doing  ? How  were  their  troops  occupied  ? 
2.  What  did  Washington  think  it  necessary  to  do  ? 3.  Describe  the  attack  upon  the 

British  at  Germantown. 


BATTLE  OF  GERMANTOWN. 


235 


4.  At  first  the  British  were  repulsed  at  several  points,  and  from  ane 
fiundred  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  prisoners  taken.  But  after  the 
battle  had  lasted  about  three  hours  the  ammunition  of  the  Americans 
in  part  failed.  Nor  was  this  the  worst.  A thick  fog  came  on,  and  it 
was  so  dark  that  they  could  hardly  distinguish  friend  from  foe,  and 
while  the  British  were  retreating  in  disorder,  the  Americans  also,  by 
some  means,  took  to  flight,  and  were  in  the  end  completely  routed. 

5.  Several  amusing  anecdotes  .are  related  of  this  bloody  battle. 
One  division  of  the  army  was  commanded,  it  seems,  by  General 
Greene,  whose  aide-de-camp,  Major  Burnet,  wore  his  hair  in  a cue. 
In  the  heat  of  the  battle,  this  cue  was  shorn  off  by  a musket-ball, 
which  General  Greene  perceiving,  said,  “Don’t  be  in  haste,  major; 
just  dismount  and  get  that  long  cue.”  The  major  dismounted  and 
recovered  the  hair. 

6.  Not  many  minutes  afterward,  another  shot  came  whizzing  so 
close  to  General  Greene,  as  to  take  from  his  head  a large  powdered 
curl.  The  British,  at  this  moment,  were  hotly  pursuing  them. 
“ Don’t  he  in  a hurry,  general,”  said  Major  Burnet;  “dismount  and 
get  your  curl.”  The  general,  however,  did  not  venture  to  follow  his 
advice. 

V.  After  the  battle,  Washington  resumed  his  former  position,  but 
in  a few  days  removed  to  White  Marsh,  eleven  miles  north-west  of 
Philadelphia.  The  British,  on  their  part,  left  Germantown  and  retired 
to  the  city.  Both  armies  appeared  to  have  gained  confidence  by  this 
engagement,  notwithstanding  the  well  known  fact,  that  both  were 
most  severely  injured. 

8.  A battle  was  fought,  about  this  time,  seven  miles  below  Phila- 
delphia. The  British  had  sent  two  thousand  men,  under  Colonel 
Donop,  to  attack  a small  fort  which  the  Americans  had  erected  on  the 
Jersey  side  of  the  Delaware,  at  Red  Bank.  They  were  obliged  to 
retire  from  the  attack,  with  the  loss  of  their  brave  commander  and 
four  hundred  men. 


4.  What  was  the  result  of  the  battle  ? 5,  6.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  General  Greene  and 
Major  Burnet.  7.  What  was  now  done  by  both  armies?  What  was  the  effect  of  the  last 
engagement  ? 8.  Describe  the  attack  of  the  British  upon  the  fort  at  Red  Bank. 


236 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CXI. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Tlit, 
Confederation. — The  Stars  andStrijpes  adopted. — Treaty 
of  Allianee  with  France. — Treaty  with  the  Cherokees, 
— American  Army  at  Valley  Forge. 

lo  During  the  session  of  Congress  for  the  year  1777,  the  Confedera* 

tion  of  the  colonies,  which 
had  been  attempted  the  year 
before,  was  again  under  dis' 
cussion,  but  it  had  not  yet 
been  ratified  by  the  states. 
By  one  of  the  articles  the 
name  given  to  the  confed- 
eracy was,  “ The  United  States 
of  America.” 

2.  One  prominent  article 
of  the  confederation  fixed  a 
line  of  distinction  between 
the  powers  of  the  several 
states  and  Congress,  in  order 
to  prevent  collisions.  To  thU 
end  the  articles  were  very 
specific,  and  they  appear  to 
have  been,  in  many  respects,  adapted  to  the  existing  condition  of  the 
country. 

3.  This  year,  also.  Congress  adopted  a national  flag,  as  we  have 
already  stated.  The  resolution  was  in  these  words : “ Eesolved,  that 
the  flag  of  the  thirteen  United  States  be  thirteen  stripes,  alternate  red 
and  white ; that  the  union  be  thirteen  stars,  in  a blue  field,  represent- 
ing a new  constellation.” 

4.  For  nearly  a year  before  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  three  com- 
missioners from  Congress,  Dr.  Franklin,  Silas  Deane  and  Arthur  Lee, 
had  been  urging  France  to  acknowledge  the  independence  of  the 
United  Colonies.  When  intelligence  was  received  in  Paris  of  that 
important  event,  the  solicitations  of  the  commissioners  were  renewed, 
and  finally  with  success. 

5.  A treaty  of  alliance  and  commerce,  between  the  two  nations, 
was  signed  February  6,  1778.  By  the  treaty,  neither  of  the  two 

Chap.  CXI. — 1.  What  was  done  by  Congress  in  17T7?  2.  What  was  a prominent 

article  of  the  confederation  ? Describe  the  national  flag.  4.  What  of  Dr.  Franklin  and 
the  commissioners  Deane  and  Lee  ? 


EVACUATION  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  237 

powers  was  to  make  war  or  peace  without  the  formal  consent  of  the 
other.  This  alliance  with  France,  with  the  previous  and  subsequent 
assistance  of  La  Fayette,  proved,  in  the  end,  of  the  highest  importance 
to  the  United  States. 

6.  A treaty  of  peace  was  also  made  during  the  year  1777,  between 
the  states  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  and  the  Cherokee  Indians. 
This  was  another  highly  important  measure  to  both  parties.  By  this 
treaty  the  Cherokees  ceded  to  South  Carolina  more  than  three  mil- 
lion acres  of  their  lands. 

7.  At  the  close  of  this  eventful  year,  1777,  Washington  and  his  army 
retired,  for  winter-quarters,  to  Valley  Forge,  a deep  and  rugged  hollow, 
twenty  miles  north-west  from  Philadelphia.  On  the  18th  of  December 
they  began  to  build  huts.  These  were  sixteen  by  fourteen  feet,  and 
were  made  to  accommodate  twelve  men  each.  They  were  so  numer- 
ous that  when  the  encampment  was  completed,  it  had  the  appearance 
of  a town,  with  streets  and  avenues. 

8.  Troops  from  each  particular  state  had  their  quarters  together,  in 
this  temporary  village  of  log-huts,  and  here  they  suifered  together, 
for  it  was  a winter  of  the  utmost  severity ; thousands  had  no  blankets, 
and  were  obliged  to  spend  the  nights  in  trying  to  get  warm,  rather 
than  in  sleeping.  They  also  suffered  greatly,  at  times,  for  want  of 
food. 


CHAPTEK  CXII. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Evacu- 
ation of  Philadelphia  and  Battle  of  Monmouth. 

1.  The  British  kept  possession  of  Philadelphia  this  winter  and  the 
following  spring;  and  although  Washington’s  camp  was  within  three 
or  four  hours’  march  of  the  city,  no  attempt  was  made  to  molest  him. 
Foraging  parties  went  up,  it  is  true,  and  committed  depredations,  but 
they  sometimes  suffered  severely  for  their  temerity. 

2.  The  British  troops  in  the  United  States  were  now  about  thirty- 
three  thousand,  of  whom  nineteen  thousand  five  hundred  were  at 
Philadelphia,  ten  thousand  five  hundred  in  Hew  York,  and  three 
thousand  in  Rhode  Island.  The  American  army  did  not  exceed 
fifteen  thousand  ; of  whom  more  than  eleven  thousand  were  at  Valley 


5.  What  treaty  of  alliance  was  signed  in  1778  ? 6.  What  other  treaty  was  made  in 
1777?  7.  Where  did  Washington’s  army  winter?  Describe  the  encampment.  8.  De- 
scribe the  sufferings  of  the  troops  ? 

Chap.  CXII. — 1.  What  of  the  British  in  regard  to  Philadelphia?  2.  Number  of  their 
troops?  What  of  the  American  army?  Upon  what  had  Congress  resolved? 


238 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Forge.  Congress  had,  indeed,  resolved  on  raising  forty  thousand  new 
troops ; hut  the  resolution  had  not  yet  been  carried  into  effect. 

3.  About  the  first  of  May,  Washington  called  a council  of  war,  on 
the  subject  of  attacking  the  British  in  Philadelphia.  Such  a measure 
was  at  length  decided  to  be  inexpedient.  The  wisdom  of  this  decision 
was  soon  evident ; for  it  was  found  that  they  had  not  only  greatly 
underrated  the  numbers  of  the  British,  but  that  these  were  about  to 
leave  the  city  of  their  own  accord. 

4.  On  the  18th  of  June,  1778,  the  British  evacuated  Philadelphia, 
and  marched  through  I7ew  Jersey  toward  New  York.  On  the  28th, 
when  they  had  advanced  as  far  as  Mon'-mouth  court-house* *,  sixty- 
four  miles  north  from  Philadelphia,  they  found  themselves  attacked 
by  the  American  army,  under  the  command  of  Generals  Charles  Lee, 
Greene,  La  Fayette,  Wayne,  and  Washington  himself. 

5.  In  the  beginning  of  the  attack,  the  American  army  was  thrown 
into  confusion  by  the  sudden,  unexpected  and  unnecessary  retreat  of 
General  Lee,  from  a post  which  had  been  assigned  him.  But,  by  the 
exertions  of  Washington  and  his  able  coadjutors,  order  was  again 
restored,  and  the  battle  vigorously  sustained  till  dark,  when  it  was  re- 
solved by  the  Americans  to  suspend  their  operations  till  next  morning. 

6.  They  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  in  the  field  of  battle.  Even 
Washington  slept  in  his  cloak,  under  a tree,  in  the  midst  of  his  sol- 
diers, determined  to  renew  the  battle  at  the  returning  dawn  of  day. 
In  the  mean  time,  however,  the  British  disappeared,  and  with  so  much 
silence,  that  their  departure  had  not  been  suspected. 

7.  In  this  battle  of  Monmouth,  both  parties,  as  they  had  often  done 
before,  claimed  the  victory;  yet  both  were  very  great  sufferers.  The 
Americans  had  about  seventy  killed  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  wound- 
ed. The  British  lost,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  three  hundred 
and  fifty-eight.  During  this  day,  and  on  their  previous  march,  one 
thousand  more  had  also  deserted  them. 

8.  Among  the  slain  of  the  British  was  Colonel  Monckton,  a most 
valuable  officer,  and  one  greatly  beloved.  It  is  said  by  the  British 
historians,  that,  in  the  midst  of  the  confusion  and  danger  of  the  battle, 
the  troops  dug  a grave  for  him  with  their  bayonets,  and  “placed  over 
him,  with  their  hands,  the  earth  they  had  first  moistened  with  their 
tears.” 


3.  Upon  what  did  the  council  of  war  decide  in  regard  to  attacking  Philadelphia?  4. 
When  did  the  British  leave  Philadelphia?  Where  and  by  whom  were  they  attacked  on 
the  28th  June?  5.  How  were  the  Americans  thrown  into  confusion?  6.  Describe  the 
army  at  night.  What  of  the  British?  7.  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  at  the  battle 
of  Monmouth?  8.  Describe  the  death  and  burial  of  Colonel  Monckton. 

* Monmouth  is  now  called  Freehold^  which  consists  of  a small  village,  eighteen  miles 
south-east  from  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey. 


GENERAL  CHARLES  LEE. 


239 


9.  The  day  of  the  battle  was  excessively  hot — one  of  the  hottest 
ever  known  in  the  month  of  June.  Fifty-nine  of  the  British  soldiers, 
and  several  Americans,  perished,  without  a wound,  from  the  com- 
bined effects  of  extreme  heat  and  fatigue,  and  drinking  too  much  cold 
water. 

10.  One  anecdote'  deserves  to  he  remembered  here.  In  the  begin- 
ning of  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  as  one  Molly  Pitcher  was  carrying 
water  from  a spring  to  her  husband,  who  was  employed  in  loading  and 
firing  a cannpn,  the  husband  was  suddenly  killed  before  her  eyes.  An 
officer  came  along  and  ordered  the  vacant  cannon  to  be  put  out  of  the 
way.  To  his  great  astonishment,  however,  Molly  took  her  husband’s 
post,  and  performed  faithfully  its  duties;  and  Congress,  as  a reward, 
gave  her  half-pay  for  life. 

11.  This  is  not  the  only  instance  of  female  patriotism  which  occurred 
during  the  war  of  the  Kevolution.  Hot  long  after  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington, the  females  of  Bristol  county,  Pennsylvania,  resolved  to  raise 
and  equip  a whole  regiment  of  soldiers  at  their  own  expense,  and 
even  to  arm  such  as  were  unable  to  arm  themselves.  One  of  their 
number  presented  the  colors  their  own  hands  had  wrought,  and  made 
an  eloquent  address. 


OHAPTEK  CXIII. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Life 
and  Character  of  General  Charles  Lee. 

1.  Geneeal  Lee  was  very  much  blamed  by  Washington  for  his 
conduct  in  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  not  only  at  the  time,  but  after- 
ward. Indeed,  he  was  tried  by  a court-martial,  who  found  him  guilty 
of  disobeying  orders,  misbehaving  before  the  enemy,  and  treating 
Washington,  his  commander-in-chief,  with  disrespect.  His  sentence 
was  suspension  from  the  army  for  one  year. 

2.  General  Lee  was  born  in  Horth  Wales,  and  became  an  officer,  as 
it  is  said,  at  the  age  of  eleven  years.  He  served  early  in  America, 
and  was  with  General  Abercrombie  at  his  unsuccessful  assault  on 
Ticonderoga,  where  he  was  wounded.  At  a period  still  later  than 
this  he  served  under  General  Burgoyne,  in  Portugal. 

3.  When  the  quarrel  began  to  arise  between  Great  Britain  and 


9.  From  what  cause  did  many  soldiers  die?  10.  Tell  the  story  of  Molly  Pitcher.  11 
What  was  done  hy  the  women  of  Bristol  county  ? 

Chap.  CXIII. — What  happened  respecting  General  Charles  Lee?  2,  3.  Give  .some  ac- 
count of  him. 


240 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


America,  Lee  was  on  the  side  of  the  colonies,  and  wrote  in  their  favor. 

After  this,  he 
spent  several 
years  wander- 
ing over  Europe, 
until  about  the 
year  1774,  when, 
having  killed  an 
Italian  officer  in 
a duel,  he  was 
obliged  to  fly. 
Coming  to  New 
York,  Congress 
made  him  at 
once  a major- 
general. 

GENERAL  LEE  BEFORE  THE  COURT-MARTIAL.  4.  In  Decem- 

ber, 1776,  while 

marching  through  New  Jersey  to  join  Washington,  as  he  lay  carelessly 
at  a considerable  distance  from  the  main  body  of  the  army,  he  was 
seized  by  the  British,  put  on  horseback,  and  carried  to  New  York. 
He  was  kept  a prisoner  by  the  British,  and  sometimes  very  ill-treated, 
till  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  when  lie  was  exchanged. 

5.  His  suspension  from  the  army  for  a year,  for  his  misconduct  at 
Monmouth,  finished  his  career  as  a military  man.  He  might  indeed 
have  again  engaged  in  the  war  at  the  end  of  that  time,  had  he  been  a 
true  patriot,  but  such  he  seems  not  to  have  been.  He  wrote  a pam- 
phlet, in  which,  besides  defending  his  own  conduct,  he  took  it  upon 
himself  to  abuse  Washington, 

6.  There  is  little  doubt  that  Lee,  who  was  proud,  selfish  and  ambi- 
tious, envied  Washington,  and  secretly  sought  to  diminish  his  influ- 
ence, in  order  to  elevate  himself.  Yet  he  was,  for  the  most  part,  a 
good  military  officer,  as  well  as  a fine  scholar,  and  few  men  in  the 
army  had  more  capacity  than  he. 

7.  His  abuse  of  Washington  led  to  a duel  with  Colonel  Laurens, 
in  which  the  latter  received  a wound.  After  this  Lee  retired  to  his 
estate  in  Virginia,  where  he  lived  alone,  in  a miserable  hovel,  without 
windows  or  plastering,  amusing  himself  with  his  books  and  his  dogs 
He  died  at  a public  house  in  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1782. 


4.  What  happened  to  him  in  1776?  5.  What  did  he  do  after  his  suspension  from  the 

army  ? 6.  What  is  supposed  to  have  actuated  him  in  abusing  Washington  ? 7.  What  of 
a duel  between  Lee  and  Colonel  Laurens?  How  did  Lee  end  his  days? 


EVENTS  IN  Rhode  island. 


24:1 


GENERAL  SULLIVAN. 


CHAPTER  CXIV. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Events 
in  Rhode  Island. 

1.  On  the  first  of  July,  I'TTS,  the  very  day  on  which  the  British 
troops,  in  their  retreat  from  Philadelphia,  reached  Kew  York,  Count 
d’Estaing,  with  a French  fleet  of  twelve  ships  of  the  line,  six  frigates, 
and  four  thousand  men,  arrived  off  the  coast  of  the  United  States,  in 
the  hope  of  attacking  the  British  fleet  in  the  Pelaware  River  or  Ches- 
apeake Bay. 

2.  But  he  was  a little  too  late  to  engage  them  at  the  south,  for  they 
had  just  sailed  for  NTew  York.  By  the  advice  of  Washington,  d’Estaing 
proceeded  to  the  north,  tq  assist  in  a plan  which  had  been  formed  for 
expelling  the  British  from  Rhode  Island,  He  arrived,  with  his  fleet,  at 
Hewport,  July  25th. 

3.  In  the  mean  time,  the  American  army,  to  the  number  of  ten 


Chap.  CXIV. — 1.  WUat  of  Count  d’Estaing?  2.  Where  did  he  sail,  and  for  what 
purpose  ? 

21 


242 


History  of  the  united  states. 


thousand  men,  under  Generals  Sullivan  and  Greene,  had  been  collected 
together  at  or  near  Providence.  Here  General  Sullivan  and  Count 
d’Estaing  laid  a plan  together  to  take  Hewport;  but,  just  before  they 
were  ready  for  the  onset,  a British  fleet  appeared  in  sight,  and 
d’Estaing  sailed  out  to  make  an  attack. 

4.  A violent  storm  came  on,  which  scattered  both  fleets,  and  so 
crippled  the  French  as  to  prevent  an  engagement.  Meanwhile, 
General  Sullivan,  in  expectation  of  the  arrival  of  the  French  fleet,  and 
unable  to  wait  longer,  crossed  on  the  9th  of  August  to  Khode  Island, 
with  nine  thousand  men,  and  on  the  14th  besieged  Newport. 

5.  The  French  fleet  at  length  made  its  appearance,  but,  instead  of 
coming  to  the  aid  of  General  Sullivan,  sailed  to  Boston,  to  refit.  This 
was  a sad  disappointment  to  the  Americans,  and  General  Sullivan 
found  it  expedient,  on  the  28th  of  August,  to  raise  the  siege,  and 
retire  to  his  first  position,  at  the  north  end  of  the  island. 

6.  The  British  troops,  about  six  thousand  strong,  taking  advantage 
of  his  retreat,  went  out  against  him  the  next  day,  and  a long  and  severe 
battle  ensued.  The  British,  after  having  lost  about  two  hundred  and 
^ixty  men,  retreated.  The  American  loss  was  considerable,  hut  not 
80  great  as  that  of  the  British. 

7.  The  next  day,  a brisk  cannonading  was  kept  up  on  both  sides, 
but  there  was  no  sharp  conflict.  At  this  juncture  General  Sullivan 
received  a letter  from  Washington,  informing  him  that  a large  body 
of  British  troops  had  just  left  New  York,  probably  for  the  relief  of 
Newport ; upon  which  it  was  determined  to  retreat  from  the  island. 

8.  The  retreat  was  conducted  with  great  skill,  and  was  accomplished 
during  tlie  night  of  the  80th  of  August.  It  was,  undoubtedly,  a 
lucky  escape ; for  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  with  four  thousand  men,  arrived 
next  day,  and  a little  longer  stay  on  the  island  would  probably  have 
been  fatal.  General  Sullivan’s  troops  were  chiefly  raw  recruits  and 
militia,  not  yet  inured  to  war. 

9.  The  British  troops  from  New  York,  not  being  wanted  at  Rhode 
Island,  proceeded  along  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  to  New  Bedford 
and  Martha’s  Vineyard.  Their  avowed  object  was  to  seize  the  Amer- 
ican privateers,  which  were  known  to  be  in  the  habit  of  resorting  to 
New  Bedford ; but  they  did  not  scruple  to  burn  stores,  houses, 
mills,  barns,  etc.  At  Fair  Haven  they  received  a repulse,  and  were 
glad  to  retreat. 


8.  Where  was  the  American  army  assembled  ? 4.  What  effect  had  the  storm  on  th® 
two  fleets?  What  did  General  Sullivan  do  ? 5.  How  did  the  French  fleet  disappoint  the 
Americans?  6.  What  did  the  British  troops  then  do?  T.  What  did  General  Sullivan 
hear  from  Washington?  What  was  determined?  8.  What  of  the  retreat?  Why  was 
their  escape  a,  fortunate  one?  9.  How  did  the  British  troops  now  occupy  themselves? 
Wnai  happened  at  Fair  Haven  ? 


TRUMBULL,  THE  ARTIST. 


24:3 


CHAPTEE  CXY. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Trum- 
hull^  the  Artist, 

1.  One  excellent  young  officer,  who  was  very  active  in  the  American 

army,  under  General  Sullivan, 
during  this  period  of  the  war 
in  Rhode  Island,  deserves 
something  more  than  a mere 
passing  notice.  The  person 
referred  to  was  Major  John 
Trumbull,  of  Connecticut ; 
afterwards  Colonel  Trumbull, 
the  celebrated  painter. 

2.  Young  Trumbull  was  first 
introduced  to  the  army  as  an 
adjutant  of  militia,  under  Gen- 
eral Spencer,  of  Connecticut, 
a relation  of  Governor  Truim 
bull,  his  father.  It  was  soon 
after  the  battle  of  Lexington. 
The  regiment  to  which  he  be- 
longed being  attached  to  Gen- 
eral Thomas’s  division  of  the  army,  was  stationed  at  Roxbury. 

3.  Here  they  were  sometimes  annoyed  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy ; 
this  was  especially  the  fact  on  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Bunker’s  Hill. 
Hearing  the  firing  that  day.  General  Spencer’s  regiment  was  drawn 
up  in  full  view  of  the  British  troops,  posted  on  the  Neck;  upon 
which  the  latter  opened  a fire  on  them.  Most  of  the  balls  passed  over 
their  heads ; one  of  them,  however,  came  so  near  a soldier  standing 
by  Trumbull,  that,  without  being  touched  by  it,  he  fell. 

4.  Trumbull  thought  the  soldier  was  only  frightened,  and  bade  him 
get  up ; but  he  said  he  was  not  able,  and  that  he  should  die.  The 
soldiers  took  him  to  the  surgeon,  but  there  was  no  wound,  nor  the 
slightest  bruise.  And  yet  he  died.  The  heart  and  large  vessels  near  it 
were  full  of  thick,  dark  blood.  He  was  evidently  killed  by  the  force 
—the  wind^  as  it  is  called — of  the  ball. 


Chap.  CXY. — 1.  What  of  John  Trumbull?  2.  How  was  he  first  introduced  into  the 
army?  Where  was  he  stationed?  3.  Describe  the  situation  of  the  troops  on  the  Neck 
4.  What  of  tie  soldier  and  the  cannon-ball? 


24A 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


5.  Soon  after  this,  Washington  was  desirous  of  obtaining  a correct 
plan  of  the  enemy’s  works  about  the  Neck.  As  Major  Trumbull 
was  known  to  be  apt  at  drawing,  a brother  of  his  in  the  army  advised 
him  to  take  this  opportunity  of  introducing  himself  to  the  favorable 
notice  of  the  American  commander ; and  he  profited  by  the  sugges- 
tion. 

6.  By  creeping  along  under  cover  of  the  fences  and  high  grass,  he 
could  approach  so  near  as  to  sketch  their  works  with  a good  deal  of 
accuracy.  A British  deserter  came  into  camp  about  this  time,  and 
gave  Washington  the  desired  information ; but  Trumbull’s  drawings 
were  also  consulted,  and  found  to  agree  with  the  soldier’s  story.  Major 
Trumbull  was,  soon  after  this,  made  Washington’s  second  aide-de- 
camp. 

7.  On  going  to  New  York  with  Washington,  soon  after  the  British 
left  Boston,  he  accepted  the  office  of  adjutant,  with  the  rank  of  col- 
onel, to  General  Gates,  at  the  north,  and  was  with  him  till  after  the 
surrender  of  Burgoyne.  His  services  in  the  army  were  greatly  en- 
hanced by  his  skill  in  drawing,  and  were  appreciated  by  the  officers 
and  the  public. 

8.  After  this  he  was  a short  time  with  Washington  again,  not  long 
after  his  success  at  Trenton ; but  was  soon  sent  out  with  General  Arnold 
to  Khode  Island.  He  remained  there  till  March,  1777,  when  he  left 
the  army,  and  returned  to  his  father’s,  at  Lebanon,  Connecticut.  Some 
time  in  the  course  of  the  year,  he  went  to  Boston,  to  perfect  himself 
in  the  art  of  painting. 

9.  When  the  Americans  began  to  plan  an  attack  on  Newport, 
Colonel  Trumbull  left  Boston,  and  again  entered  the  army  as  a volun- 
teer aide  to  General  Sullivan.  After  the  army  had  crossed  over  to  the 
north  end  of  Ehode  Island,  and  was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy,  he 
was  employed  more  than  once  in  the  most  dangerous  services ; which, 
however,  he  performed  with  the  greatest  courage  and  faithfulness. 

10.  One  day  when  the  skirmishing  had  begun  early  in  the  morning, 
and  Trumbull,  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  was  carrying  an  order  to 
one  of  the  officers,  the  wind  blew  off  his  hat.  As  he  did  not  think 
it  safe  to  dismount  for  the  sake  of  a hat,  he  tied  a white  handkerchief 
round  his  head,  and  wore  it  all  day. 

11.  “ Being  mounted,”  says  he,  “ on  a superb  bay  horse,  in  a summer 
dress  of  nankeen,  with  this  headdress,  never  was  aide-de-camp  ex- 
posed more  to  danger  than  I was,  during  that  entire  day,  from  daylight 


5.  What  did  Washington  wish  to  obtain?  6.  What  did  Trumbull  do  for  Washington ? 
7.  What  office  did  he  hold  under  General  Gates?  8.  Where  did  he  next  go  ? When  did 
he  leave  the  army ? 9.  When  does  he  again  appear  upon  the  field?  10.  Tell  the  story 
of  TrumbuJl  when  his  hat  blew  off.  11.  Give  his  account  of  his  perils  and  his  escape. 


MASSACRE  AT  WYOMING. 


245 


to  dusk.”  Y"et  he  escaped  without  the  slightest  injury.  “I  thank 
thee,”  he  adds,  “ O,  thou  Most  High,  for  thou  hast  covered  my  head  in 
the  day  of  battle !” 

12.  This  interesting  young  man  left  the  army  again  immediately 
after  General  Sullivan’s  retreat,  and  returned  home  to  Connecticut.  One 
more  anecdote  concerning  him  will  be  hereafter  given  in  connection 
with  the  account  of  the  capture  and  execution  of  Major  Andre, 


OHAPTEE  CXYI. 

Period  of  the  Eeyolutionary  War,  Continued. — Mas^ 

sdcre  at  Wyoming, 

1.  The  savages  on  the  western  frontier,  during  the  year  1778,  were 
exceedingly  troublesome.  There  was  a beautiful  settlement  on  the 
eastern  branch  of  the  Susquehanna  River,  comprising  four  townships, 
each  five  miles  square,  and  so  thickly  peopled  that,  according  to  some 
statements,  it  had  already  furnished  one  thousand  men  to  the  con- 
tinental army. 

2.  This  district  of  Wy-o^-ming* *  was  settled  by  Connecticut  people, 
who  carried  with  them  their  industrious  habits,  and  were  very  pros- 
perous and  happy.  They  lived  in  the  shade  of  their  own  forest-trees 
in  summer ; and  in  winter,  by  their  own  bright  and  warm  firesides. 
Their  barns  were  filled  with  grain  and  corn,  and  their  green  pastures, 
by  the  river  banks,  were  spotted  with  sheep. 

3.  Excited,  as  is  supposed,  by  the  tories,  the  Indians  fixed  an  evil 
eye  on  these  settlers ; but,  to  prevent  suspicion,  first  sent  messages  of 
peace  and  friendship.  Suspicion,  however,  was  now  raised,  and  the 
settlers  applied  to  Washington  for  an  armed  force  to  protect  them,  but 
it  was  too  late.  Early  in  July,  four  hundred  Indians,  with  more  than 
twice  that  number  of  tories  and  half-blood  Englishmen,  came  upon 
the  settlement  and  destroyed  it. 

4.  They  were  headed  by  Brandt,  a cruel  half-breed  Indian,  and  John 
Butler,  a tory.  The  officers  only  were  dressed  in  British  uniform ; the 
rest  were  all  painted  and  dressed  like  the  Indians.  The  colonists,  in 


12.  Where  did  he  go  after  General  Sullivan’s  retreat? 

Chap.  CX VI. — 1.  What  of  the  savages  on  the  frontier?  2.  Describe  the  district  of 
Wyoming.  3.  What  took  place  between  the  settlers  and  the  Indians?  4.  Who  headed 
the  savages  ? What  had  the  colonists  done  as  a defence  against  danger  ? 

* The  name  of  Wyoming  was  given  to  a beautiful  valley  lying  on  both  sides  of  the 
Susquehanna,  in  what  is  now  the  county  of  Luzerne,  Pennsylvania.  The  little  village 
of  Wyoming,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Susquehanna,  is  situated  nearly  opposite  the 
present  town  of  Wilkesbarre. 

21* 


246 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


their  apprehension  of  what  might  happen,  had  built  a few  small  forts, 
and  gathered  their  families  and  some  of  their  effects  into  them. 

5.  The  savages  and  savage-looking  whites  now  appeared  before  one 
of  the  forts,  which  was  commanded  hj  a cousin  of  Butler,  and  de- 
manded its  surrender.  They  persuaded  its  commander  to  come  out  to 
a spot  agreed  upon,  in  the  woods,  for  the  purpose,  as  they  said,  of 
making  peace.  He  accordingly  marched  to  the  spot  with  four  hun- 
dred men ; hut  not  an  Indian  or  a tory  was  to  he  found  there. 

6.  They  pressed  on  through  the  dark  paths  of  the  forest,  hut  still 
no  one  was  to  he  found.  At  last  they  saw  themselves  suddenly  sur- 
rounded hy  the  enemy.  The  savages  were  in  every  bush,  and  sprang 
out  upon  them  with  terrible  yells.  All  but  sixty  of  these  four  hundred 
men  were  murdered  in  the  most  cruel  manner. 

7.  The  enemy  now  went  back  to  Kingston,  the  village,  and,  to  strike 
the  Americans  in  the  forts  with  as  much  fear  as  possible,  hurled  over 
the  gates  to  them  the  reeking  scalps  of  their  brothers,  husbands,  and 
fathers.  The  distressed  people  now  inquired  of  Butler,  the  leader  of 
the  tories,  what  terms  he  would  give  them.  He  answered  only — ^‘the 
hatchet.” 

8.  They  fought  as  long  as  they  were  able,  but  the  enemy  soon  en- 
closed the  fort  with  dry  wood,  and  set  it  on  fire.  The  unhappy  people 
within — men,  women,  and  children — all  perished  in  the  fearful  blaze. 
The  whole  country  was  then  ravaged,  and  all  the  inhabitants  who 
could  be  found  were  scalped ; the  houses,  crops,  and  orchards  were 
burned ; and  even  the  tongues  of  the  domestic  animals  were  cut  out, 
and  the  poor  creatures  left  to  perish. 

9.  This  was  one  of  those  bloody  deeds  which  the  Indians  are  so  apt 
to  perpetrate,  especially  when  led  on  by  designing  white  men.  The 
same  company  of  Wyoming  murderers  committed  other  acts  of  violence 
than  those  above  related.  They  were,  however,  at  length  invaded  and 
humbled,  and  made  willing  to  remain  at  peace. 

10.  After  the  treaty,  which  was  at  length  made  with  them,  the  petty 
chiefs  of  the  Hew  York  and  Pennsylvania  Indians  occasionally  came 
to  the  camp  to  see  Washington,  whom  they  called  their  Great  Father. 
Washington,  in  showing  them  his  army,  rode  before  them  on  his  own 
fine  gray  war-horse,  while  they  followed  on  miserable  horses,  without 
saddles  and  almost  without  bridles,  and  wore  nothing  but  dirty 
blankets. 


5.  What  did  the  savages  now  do  ? How  were  the  Americans  deceived  ? 6.  Describe 
the  slaughter.  7.  What  was  then  done  in  the  village  ? 8.  What  became  of  the  inhabit- 

ants? 9.  What  of  these  bloody  murderers?  10.  What  was  Washington  called  by  the 
chiefs  ? 


THE  WAR  IN  GEORGIA. 


247 


CHAPTER  CXVIL 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Events 
in  Georgia, 

1.  There  was  little  severe  fighting  this  year,  1778,  between  the 
regular  troops  of  the  two  great  contending  armies,  except  what  has 
been  mentioned.  The  only  additional  movements,  worthy  of  notice, 
were  the  invasion  of  Georgia  from  two  very  different  points — Florida 
and  New  York. 

2.  During  the  summer,  two  parties  of  British  regulars  and  American 
refugees  made  a sudden  and  rapid  incursion  from  Florida  into  Georgia. 
OnQ  of  the  parties,  advancing  to  a fort  in  Sunbury,  twenty-eight  miles 
south-west  from  Savannah,  summoned  it  to  surrender ; but,  on  receiv- 
ing from  the  commander  the  laconic  answer,  ‘‘ Come  and  take  it,”  they 
abandoned  the  enterprise. 

3.  The  other  party  went  toward  Savannah,  but  after  meeting  with 
many  attacks  from  the  militia  as  they  passed  along,  and  hearing  of  the 
failure  of  the  other  party,  they  returned.  In  their  return,  they  burned 
the  church  and  nearly  every  house  in  the  village  of  Medway,  and 
carried  off  the  slaves,  cattle,  and  other  property. 

4.  This  was  followed  by  an  expedition  from  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina  of  two  thousand  men,  chiefly  militia,  into  Florida.  They 
proceeded  to  a fort  on  the  river  St.  Mary’s,  which  they  destroyed,  and 
then,  after  some  skirmishing,  advanced  toward  St.  Augustine.  But  a 
mortal  sickness  having  attacked  the  troops  and  swept  away  one-fourth 
of  them,  the  survivors  returned. 

5.  The  second  invasion  of  Georgia  was  undertaken  much  later  in 
the  season  than  the  former.  On  the  27th  of  November,  Colonel  Camp- 
bell, with  two  thousand  British  troops,  left  New  York,  and  in  three 
weeks  landed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Savannah  Biver.  Near  Savannah 
were  six  hundred  regular  American  troops  and  a few  militia. 

6.  The  British,  being  about  to  make  an  attack,  were  shown  by  a- 
negro  a private  path  leading  to  the  rear  of  the  American  forces^  of 
which  they  availed  themselves.  The  latter,  finding  the  enemy  both  in 
their  front  and  rear,  attempted  to  fly,  but  were  mostly  taken  or  slain, 
and  the  fort  and  town  of  Savannah  fell  into  British  hands. 

7.  The  victory  at  Savannah  was  followed  up  as  closely  as  possible 
by  the  British  troops,  and  the  fort  at  Sunbury  soon  surrendered  to 
them  and  the  Florida  forces.  The  combined  troops  of  New  York  and 


Chap.  CXVII. — 1.  What  of  the  invasion  of  Georgia?  2.  Describe  the  incursions  into 
Georgia.  3.  What  of  the  other  party  ? 4.  What  of  the  expedition  into  Florida  ? 5.  De- 
scribe the  second  invasion  of  Georgia.  6.  Who  betrayed  Savannah  into  the  hands  of  the 
British  ? 


248 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


St.  Augustine  now  held,  and  for  some  time  continued  to  hold,  posses- 
sion of  the  state  of  Georgia. 

8.  Such  of  the  Americans  as  had  been  taken  prisoners  during  the 
war  between  Britain  and  the  United  States,  and  had  not  yet  been  ex- 
changed, were  kept  in  prison-ships,  in  New  York  and  elsewhere,  and 
in  jails  in  England.  Those  in  prison-ships  often  suffered  extremely, 
and  many  died  of  their  sufferings  and  by  disease.  Great  and  just  com- 
plaint, in  regard  to  their  treatment,  was  made  both  at  home  and  abroad. 

9.  Just  at  the  close  of  the  year  1778,  a meeting  was  held  in  London 
for  the  relief  of  the  American  prisoners  confined  in  British  jails,  of 
which  there  were  about  one  thousand.  Subscriptions  were  opened, 
both  in  London  and  in  the  country.  By  January  10, 1779,  the  subscrip- 
tions amounted  to  three  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds 
seventeen  shillings  and  sixpence,  or  nearly  nineteen  thousand  dollars. 
These  proceedings,  on  the  part  of  the  people  of  the  hostile  country, 
are  sufficient  evidences  of  the  inhumanity  practised  towards  the 
American  prisoners ; while  it  may  also  be  taken  as  evidence  of  the 
sensibility  of  the  British  people  to  these  enormities. 


CHAPTEE  CXYIII. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued.  — 

British  at  Charleston. 

1.  Neak  the  close  of  1778,  General  Lincoln  had  been  appointed  to 


take  command  of  the  army 
at  the  south.  He  was  an  ex- 
cellent officer ; and  having  been 
next  in  command  to  General 
Gates,  in  the  movements 
against  Burgoyne  in  the  north, 
was  there  active,  faithful  and 
successful  in  all  his  operations. 


2.  Very  early  in  the  year 
1779,  he  proceeded  to  the  post 
assigned  him.  As  Georgia  was 
now  overrun  by  the  British 
troops,  he  took  his  stand  on 
the  northern  side  of  the  Sa- 
vannah Kiver.  Soon  after  his 
arrival,  a detachment  of  fifteen 


GENERAL  LINCOLN. 


7.  Who  held  possession  of  the  state  of  Georgia?  8.  What  of  the  American  prisoners 
during  the  Revolutionary  war?  9.  What  was  done  in  London  ? 

Chap.  CXVIII. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  General  Lincoln  ? 


THE  BRITISH  AT  CHARLESTON. 


249 


hundred  ITorth  Carolina  militia  and  sixty  regular  troops,  under  Gen- 
eral Ash,  having  crossed  the  river,  were  defeated  by  General  Prevost 
with  great  loss. 

3.  But  General  Lincoln,  nothing  daunted,  marched  his  army  to- 
ward Augusta,  the  head-quarters  of  General  Prevost.  His  whole 
forces  now  amounted  to  five  thousand.  General  Prevost,  with  twenty- 
four  hundred  men,  left  Augusta  about  the  same  time  for  Charleston* 
As  Lincoln  supposed  this  to  be  a feint  to  draw  him  from  his  design, 
he  continued  his  march. 

4.  When  the  British  were  about  half  way  from  Augusta  to  Charles- 
ton they  halted  two  or  three  days,  which  gave  time  for  putting  the 
latter  in  a state  of  defence.  All  the  houses  in  the  suburbs  were  burnt, 
cannon  were  placed  around  the  city  at  proper  intervals,  and  a force 
of  three  thousand  three  hundred  men  were  assembled  for  its  defence. 

5.  The  enemy  reached  the  city  and  summoned  it  to  surrender  on 
the  12th  of  May.  The  inhabitants  contrived  to  spend  the  day  in 
parleying,  before  they  gave  an  answer,  that  they  might  gain  time. 
When,  however,  they  were  told  that  if  they  surrendered,  it  must  be 
as  prisoners  of  war,  the  negotiation  terminated,  and  they  prepared  for 
an  assault. 

6.  To  their  surprise,  however,  no  attack  was  made,  and  the  British, 
during  the  following  night,  withdrew  their  forces,  and,  crossing  Ash- 
ley Ferry,  encamped  near  the  sea.  General  Lincoln  soon  arrived, 
and  stationed  his  forces  near  Charleston,  unwilling  to  risk  a general 
battle  if  he  could  help  it. 

7.  However,  he  was  not  disposed  to  be  idle,  and  learning  the  weak 
state  of  a British  fort  at  Stone  Ferry,  he  advanced  against  it  with 
twelve  hundred  men.  The  Americans  had  the  advantage  in  the  fight, 
though  they  thought  it  necessary  to  retreat  soon  afterward.  Genera] 
Prevost,  about  the  same  time,  left  the  vicinity  of  Charleston,  and  his 
main  army  retreated  to  Savannah. 


2.  Where  did  he  station  himself  ? What  battle  was  now  fought  ? 8.  What  of  General 
Lincoln’s  forces  ? What  of  Prevost  ? 4.  What  preparations  were  made  at  Charleston 
for  defence  ? 5.  What  of  the  inhabitants  of  Charleston  ? 6.  What  did  the  British  now  do? 
What  of  General  Lincoln  ? 7.  What  engagement  was  there  at  Stone  Ferry  ? General 
Prevost? 

11* 


250 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  OXIX. 

Period  of  the  Ee volutionary  War,  Continued. — Attack 
of  the  Americans  on  Savannah, 

1.  Count  d’EsTAiNO,  after  his  fleet  had  refltted  in  Boston,  sailed 
for  the  West  Indies,  where  he  remained  till  the  next  summer.  He 
arrived  on  the  coast  of  Georgia  so  unexpectedly  to  the  British,  that, 
before  they  were  ready  to  meet  him,  he  had  captured  one  man-of-war 
of  flfty  guns,  and  three  frigates. 

2.  General  Lincoln  had  long  expected  him,  and  when  it  was  known 
that  he  had  arrived,  he  marched  with  his  regular  troops  and  a con- 
siderable body  of  Carolina  and  Georgia  millL.a  to  Savannah.  Before 
he  arrived,  however,  d’Estaing  was  there,  and  had  summoned  the 
place  to  surrender. 

3.  General  Frevost,  on  receiving  the  summons,  asked  for  a day  to 
consider  it,  which  was  granted.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  receiv- 
ing a reinforcement  of  eight  hundred  men,  his  courage  was  so  much 
increased  that  he  determined  to  defend  himself  to  the  last. 

4.  On  the  morning  of  October  4,  the  American  and  French  forces 
laid  siege  to  the  place,  and,  on  the  9th,  a direct  assault  was  made, 
which  was  repulsed.  The  invaders  rallied,  and  a desperate  battle  was 
kept  up  for  some  time,  when  the  French  and  Americans  were  obliged 
to  retire  with  a very  heavy  loss.  Of  the  former,  six  hundred  and 
thirty-seven  were  killed  or  wounded;  of  the  latter,  two  hundred  and 
forty-one. 

5.  Count  Pulaski,  the  Polish  nobleman,  was  wounded  in  the  battle, 
and  soon  afterward  died,  as  we  have  already  stated.  He  was  one  of 
those  who  carried  off  Stanislaus,  king  of  Poland,  from  his  capital,  and 
who,  in  consequence  of  this  act,  after  the  king  made  his  escape,  were 
proscribed  as  outlaws. 

6.  The  attack  on  Savannah  was  doubtless  ill-judged  and  premature. 
It  was  hastened  on  by  d’Estaing.  Had  the  siege  been  conducted  more 
slowly  it  might  have  been  successful.  After  the  siege  was  raised, 
nearly  all  the  American  troops  went  to  their  homes,  and  d’Estaing 
re-embarked  and  sailed  for  Europe. 


Chap.  CXIX. — 1.  What  of  Count  d’Estaing  after  refitting  his  fieet  ? 2.  What  did  Gen- 
eral Lincoln  do  on  the  arrival  of  d’Estaing?  8.  How  was  General  Prevost  encouraged? 
4.  Describe  the  siege  aiJd  assault.  What  was  the  French  and  American  loss  ? 5.  What 
can  you  say  of  Count  Pulaski  ? 6.  Was  the  attack  on  Savannah  well  timed  ? What  of  the 
American  and  French  troops? 


EVENTS  IN  CONNECTICUT. 


251 


GENERAL  PUTNAM. 


CHAPTEE  CXX. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Events 

in  Connecticut. — General  Putnam. 

1.  The  northern  department  of  the  American  army  had  chiefly 
wintered,  1778-1779,  near  the  Hudson — some  on  the  New  Jersey  side, 
and  some  on  the  other.  Two  brigades  were  as  high  up  as  West  Point. 
Three  brigades  were  also  quartered  near  Danbury,  in  Connecticut. 

2.  Thus  arranged  with  regard  to  New  York,  they  could  not  only 
watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  but  keep  up  a communication 
with  each  other,  and  be  able  to  act  in  concert,  should  it  be  necessary. 
General  McDougall  commanded  in  the  Highlands,  and  General  Putnam 


Chap.  CXX. — 1.  How  was  the  northern  American  army  stationed  during  the  winter  of 
17T8-1779?  2,  What  advantages  were  derived  from  this  arrangement  ? Who  com* 

manded  fn  the  Highlands  ? Who  at  Danbury  ? 


252 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


at  Danbury.  The  British  forces  in  New  York  were  commanded  by 
General  Clinton. 

3.  In  the  spring  of  1779,  a British  force  was  sent  to  ravage  the 
coasts  of  Virginia.  They  destroyed  every  thing  in  their  way — villages, 
shipping,  and  stores.  They  also  seized  on  large  quantities  of  tobacco. 
Being  asked  by  the  Virginians  what  sort  of  a war  this  was,  their 
general  replied,  that  “ all  rebels  must  be  so  treated.” 

4.  Indeed,  it  seemed  to  be  a leading  object  with  the  British,  this 
year,  to  distress  and  impoverish  the  Americans  as  much  as  pos*sible, 
in  order,  as  they  themselves  said,  “to  render  the  colonies  of  as  little 
use  as  possible  to  each  other  in  their  new  connections.”  They  plun- 
dered, consumed,  and  destroyed  as  much  as  they  could,  both  at  the 
north  and  at  the  south. 

5.  A month  or  two  after  the  foregomg  ravages  were  committed 
in  Virginia,  General  Tryon  was  sent  out  to  make  similar  ravages  on 
the  coast  of  Connecticut.  In  expectation  of  an  attack,  the  militia 
of  Fairfield  were  mustered  and  in  arras.  Tryon  came  to  the  spot, 
ordered  them  to  surrender,  and  gave  them  an  hour  to  consider  his 
proposal ; but,  in  the  mean  time,  laid  most  of  the  town  in  ashes. 

6.  At  New  Haven,  all  possible  damage  was  done.  The  harbor  was 
covered  with  feathers  poured  out  from  the  beds.  Desks,  trunks, 
chests  and  closets  were  broken  open ; the  women  were  robbed  of 
their  buckles,  rings,  bonnets  and  aprons.  East  Haven  was  afterward 
burned,  and  Norwalk  shared  a similar  fate. 

7.  Near  Stamford,  the  British,  with  some  fifteen  hundred  men, 
came  suddenly  upon  General  Putnam,  who  had  no  other  means  of 
defence  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  militia  and  two  pieces  of  cannon. 
But  with  these  alone,  this  brave  officer  was  almost  a match  for  them 
for  some  time.  At  last,  however,  he  ordered  his  men  to  retreat  to  a 
neighboring  swamp. 

8.  For  himself,  being  hard  pressed,  he  rode  at  full  gallop  down  a 
steep  rock.  Nearly  one  hundred  steps  had  been  hewn  in  it,  like  a 
flight  of  stairs,  for  the  people  to  ascend  in  going  to  church.  The 
cavalry,  who  were  pursuing  him,  stopped  at  the  brink  and  discharged 
their  pistols,  but  dared  not  follow  him.  He  escaped  with  a bullet-hole 
through  his  hat. 

9.  This  year,  also,  in  July,  a fleet  of  thirty-seven  small  vessels  and 
fifteen  hundred  militia,  under  Generals  Wadsworth  and  Lowell,  was 
fitted  out  from  Boston  to  drive  the  British  from  the  Penobscot  River, 


3.  What  was  done  by  the  British  in  1779?  4.  What  seemed  to  be  a leading  object 
with  them?  5.  What  of  General  Tryon?  6.  What  ravages  were  committed  at  New 
Haven?  East  Haven  and  Norwalk?  7.  What  was  done  near  Stamford?  8.  Describe 
Putnam’s  escape.  9.  What  fleet  was  fitted  out  in  Boston,  and  for  what  purpose  ? 


ANECDOTE  OF  LA  FAYETTE. 


253 


in  Maine,  where  they  had  collected  and  built  a fort.  This  was  at  a 
place  called  Bagaduce,  now  Castine.  The  expedition,  however,  did 
not  succeed. 


CHAPTER  CXXL 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Anec- 
dote of  La  Fayette, 

1.  An  anecdote  of  La  Fayette,  which  belongs  to  this  year,  de- 
serves to  be  preserved  in  con- 
nection with  the  history  of  the 
United  States.  He  had  intended 
to  make  a visit  to  France  to- 
ward the  close  of  the  year  1778, 
but  had  been  detained  several 
months  by  sickness.  Again  he 
was  detained  a while  longer  at 
Boston,  to  wait  for  the  frigate 
Alliance  to  be  got  ready,  in 
which  he  was  to  sail. 

2.  The  government  of  Massa- 
chusetts offered  to  complete  the 
number  of  men  necessary  to 
man  the  Alliance,  by  impress- 
ment— a measure  that  had  been 

LA  FAYETTE.  , i i • 

sometimes  resorted  to  during 
the  war  ; but  La  Fayette  was  too  benevolent  to  permit  this.  At  last, 
the  crew  was  made  up  by  other  and  more  merciful  means. 

3.  The  Somerset,  a British  sixty-four-gun  ship,  had  been  wrecked 
on  the  coast  of  'New  England,  and  part  of  her  men  had  found  their 
way  to  Boston.  Some  of  these  men  offered  to  go  in  the  Alliance. 
There  were  volunteers  also  from  among  the  prisoners.  Added  to 
these  were  a few  French  seamen. 

4.  With  this  motley  crew,  English,  French  and  American,  and  stran- 
gers in  great  part  to  each  other  and  to  the  ship.  La  Fayette,  in  simple 
but  unwise  confidence,  trusted  himself,  and  the  vessel  sailed  the  11th 
of  January.  They  had  a tempestuous  passage,  but  nothing  happened 
worth  relating  till  they  were  within  two  days’  sail  of  the  English 
coast. 


Chap.  CXXI.— 1,  What  did  La  Fayette  intend  in  1778?  2.  What  did  the  government 
offer  to  do?  Did  La  Fayette  accept  their  offer  ? 3.  How  were  the  men  collected  to  man 

the  Alliance?  4.  Describe  the  departure  of  La  Fayette. 

22 


254 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  Here  a conspiracy  was  formed  by  the  English  part  of  the  crew, 
amounting  to  seventy  or  eighty  men,  to  kill  the  officers,  seize  the 
vessel,  and  take  it  into  an  English  port.  The  British  government  had 
in  fact  passed  a law,  some  time  before  this,  to  encourage  acts  of  mu- 
tiny, by  the  offer  of  a reward  to  all  such  crews  as  would  run  away 
with  American  ships. 

6.  The  intentions  of  the  conspirators  appear  to  have  been  of  the 
most  cruel  nature.  The  work  of  death  was  to  have  been  begun  pre- 
cisely at  four  o’clock  of  the  afternoon  of  February  2d.  The  signal  to 
begin  the  work  was  the  cry  of  ‘‘  Sail  ho!”  which  it  was  well  known 
would  bring  the  officers  and  passengers  upon  the  quarter-deck,  where 
they  could  be  seized  in  a body. 

7.  The  captain  was  to  have  been  put  into  a boat,  without  food, 
water,  oars  or  sails,  heavily  ironed,  and  turned  loose  upon  the  ocean. 
The  gunner,  carpenter  and  boatswain  were  to  have  been  killed  on  the 
spot.  The  marine  officer  and  surgeon  were  to  have  been  hanged  and 
quartered,  and  their  bodies  cast  into  the  sea. 

8.  The  sailing-master  was  to  have  been  cut  into  morsels  and  thrown 
overboard.  The  lieutenants  were  to  have  had  their  choice,  either  to 
navigate  the  vessel  to  the  nearest  British  port,  or  to  walk  overboard. 
The  passengers  were  to  have  been  confined  and  carried  into  England 
as  prisoners  of  war. 

9.  Among  the  crew  was  an  excellent  young  man,  whom  the  muti- 
neers took,  from  his  accent,  to  be  an  Irishman,  but  who  had  become, 
in  fact,  an  American.  They  had  proposed  their  plan  to  him,  and  he 
had  learned  their  whole  secret.  About  an  hour  before  the  massacre 
was  to  have  taken  place,  he  revealed  the  plot  to  La  Fayette  and  the 
captain,  who  immediately  took  measures  to  prevent  it. 

10.  The  officers  and  passengers,  as  well  as  such  other  men  as  could  be 
trusted,  were  informed  of  what  was  going  on.  A few  minutes  before 
four  o’clock,  the  officers,  passengers,  and  American  seamen  rushed  on 
deck,  with  drawn  swords  and  other  weapons,  and  thirty  or  forty  of 
the  mutineers  were  seized  and  put  in  irons.  The  crime  was  confessed, 
the  mutineers  were  secured,  and  the  ship  soon  arrived  at  Brest,  in 
France.  It  was  proposed  to  punish  them ; but  the  noble-minded 
La  Fayette  insisted  on  exchanging  them  as  mere  prisoners  of  war. 


5.  What  of  a conspiracy  ? What  had  the  British  government  done?  6.  Describe  the 
plan  of  the  conspirators.  7,  8.  What  was  to  have  been  done  with  the  officers  of  the 
ship?  What  was  to  have  been  the  fate  of  the  passengers ? 9.  How  was  the  infamous 
plot  defeated?  10.  What  means  were  taken  to  disarm  the  mutineers?  Where  did  the 
ship  land  ? What  was  done  with  the  prisoners  ? 


CONTINENTAL  MONEY. 


255 


CONTINENTAL  MONEY. 


CHAPTER  CXXII. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Con- 
tinental Money, 

1.  The  year  1779  was  less  distinguished  for  splendid  or  brilliant 
achievements  by  either  of  the  two  great  contending  nations,  than  any 
year  since  the  commencement  of  the  war;  and  this,  too,  notwith- 
standing the  alliance  of  the  United  States  with  France.  One  cause 
of  this,  among  many  others,  was  the  troubles  which  now  began  to  he 
experienced  in  respect  to  paper  money. 

2.  The  history  of  money,  in  connection  with  the  United  States,  is 
quite  curious.  Going  back  to  1643,  we  find  the  general  court  of  Mas- 
sachusetts ordering  that  wampumpeog^  or  the  Indian  wampum,  should 
pass  current  in  the  payment  of  debts,  to  the  amount  of  forty  shillings, 
except  taxes  ; the  white  wampumpeog  at  eight  for  a penny,  the  black 
at  four. 

3.  The  first  mint  for  coining  money  in  'New  England  was  erected 
in  1652.  The  money  coined  was  shillings,  sixpences  and  threepences. 
The  law  ordered  that  they  should  have  Massachusetts  and  a tree  on  one^ 
side,  and  New  England  and  the  value  of  the  coin  on  the  other.  This 
currency  continued  not  only  to  be  used  but  to  be  coined,  for  thirty 
years  or  more. 


Chap.  CXXII. — J.  Why  was  the  year  1779  less  distinguished  than  many  others  had 
been?  2.  What  was  used  as  money  in  1643?  3.  When  was  the  first  mint  in  New 

England  established?  What  was  the  money  coined? 


256 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  Bills  of  credit,  or  paper  money,  appear  to  have  been  issued  by 
Carolina,  in  the  year  1706.  Soon  after  the  emission,  the  value  of  the 
money  fell  one-third:  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  Carolina  cur- 
rency being  worth  only  one  hundred  pounds  in  English  coin.  Happily, 
the  emission  was  only  eight  thousand  pounds.  However,  in  1712,  the 
South  Carolina  legislature  issued  forty-eight  thousand  pounds,  in  these 
bills  of  credit,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  their  Indian  wars. 

5.  About  the  year  1691,  during  the  progress  of  King  William’s  war, 
Massachusetts  issued  bills  of  credit  to  pay  the  troops.  Connecticut, 
Kew  York  and  Kew  Jersey  followed  in  turn,  in  1709,  and  issued  their 
paper  money,  and  for  the  same  reason,  viz.,  to  pay  the  expenses  of 
their  Indian  wars.  The  legislature  of  Georgia  issued  paper  bills  of 
credit  to  the  amount  of  seven  thousand  four  hundred  and  ten  pounds 
sterling,  in  1760.  There  were  also  some  other  instances  in  the  colonies 
of  the  same  sort. 

6.  The  first  emission  of  bills  of  credit  by  Congress  was  in  June, 
1775.  The  amount  was  two  millions  of  dollars.  Eighteen  months 
afterward,  twenty  millions  of  dollars  more  were  issued ; and  still  later, 
a larger  quantity ; in  all,  three  hundred  and  seventy -five  millions. 
The  states  also  issued  many  millions.  In  1780,  at  least  two  hundred 
millions  of  Continental  money  were  in  circulation. 

7.  The  Confederation  was  indeed  pledged  to  redeem  these  bills,  and 
each  colony  its  proportion  of  them,  by  the  year  1779.  Kevertheiess, 
they  began  to  lose  their  value  in  1777,  and  by  the  year  1778,  the 
period  to  which,  in  the  progress  of  our  history,  we  have  now  arrived, 
five  or  six  dollars  of  it  would  pass  for  one  dollar  in  specie. 

8.  But  this  was  only  the  beginning  of  its  depreciation.  In  1779, 
twenty-seven  or  twenty-eight  dollars  of  it  were  only  worth  one  of 
hard  money,  and  in  1780  it  was  fifty  or  sixty  for  one.  By  the  middle 
of  this  year,  the  bills  almost  ceased  to  circulate  ; and  when  they  did 
circulate,  it  was  at  less  than  a hundredth  part  of  their  nominal  value, 
sometimes  less  than  the  five-hundredth. 

9.  Yet  Congress  had  ordered  that  they  should  be  a lawful  tender 
for  the  payment  of  debts,  at  their  full  nominal  value,  and  the  soldiers 
were  to  be  paid  in  them.  Why  should  not  a war  be  poorly  sustained 
v'ith  such  a miserable  public  currency? 

10.  How  could  men  be  raised  to  fight,  even  for  their  homes  and 
firesides,  when  the  money  in  w^hich  they  were  to  be  paid  would  not 


4.  When  was  paper  money  first  issued  ? What  effect  had  this  upon  the  value  of  money  ? 
What  was  done  in  1712  ? 5.  In  1691  ? In  1709  ? In  1760?  6.  What  was  done  by  Congress 
in  June,  1775?  What  amount  was  issued?  Howmuch  continental  money  was  in  circula- 
tion in  178^  7.  What  was  the  Confederation  pledged  to  do?  What  happened  in  1777? 
Tj  1778?  8 Describe  the  depreciation  of  these  bills.  9.  What  had  Congress  ordered  ? 


CAPTURE  OF  STONY  POINT, 


257 


support  their  families  ? Six  months’  pay  of  a soldier,  in  1779,  would 
not  provide  bread  for  his  family  for  a month ; nor  the  pay  of  a colonel 
“ purchase  oats  for  his  horse.” 

11.  There  were  many  causes  which  operated  to  produce  this  , un  - 
heard-of depreciation  of  a currency  which  the  nation  was  bound  to 
redeem.  1.  Too  much  of  it  was  issued.  2.  The  quantity  was  greatly 
increased  by  counterfeits  and  forgeries.  3.  It  was  for  the  pecuniary 
advantage  of  public  agents — since  they  received  a commission  pro- 
portioned to  the  amount  of  their  purchases  for  the  army — to  pay  high 
prices.  4.  There  was  a doubt  of  the  ability  of  the  states  to  redeem  these 
notes,  as  well  as  a distrust  of  the  faith  of  the  states,  in  respect  to  their 
redemption. 

12.  But  whatever  the  causes  may  have  been,  and  however  promis- 
ing its  first  effects,  no  measure  of  Congress  produced  more  mischief, 
in  the  end,  by  weakening  and  destroying  public  confidence,  than  this 
same  Continental  Money.  It  may  be  difficult,  however,  to  say  by 
what  other  means  the  war  could  have  been  sustained. 


CHAPTEE  OXXIII. 

Period  of  the  Ee  volution  ary  War,  Continued. — Gap 

tv/re  of  Stony  Point  and  Paulus  HooTc, 

1.  Amid  the  general  paucity  of  events,  there  were  two  brilliant  and 
somewhat  decisive  actions  in  the  vicinity  of  Hew  York  during  the  year 
1779.  One  of  these  was  the  capture  of  Stony  Point,  a strong  military 
post  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson,  forty  miles  north  of  Hew  York, 
and  guarded  by  about  six  hundred  British  troops.  Anxious  to  regain 
this  post,  Washington  deputed  General  Wayne,  with  twelve  hundred 
men,  chiefly  Hew  Englanders,  to  make  the  attempt. 

2.  General  Wayne  set  out  on  the  15th  of  July,  and  at  evening  halted 
a mile  or  two  from  the  fort  to  make  his  arrangements.  One  hundred 
and  fifty  volunteers,  guarded  by  twenty  picked  men,  were  to  march  in 
front  of  the  rest.  They  were  ordered  to  proceed  in  perfect  silence, 
with  unloaded  guns  and  fixed  bayonets. 

3.  The  attempt  was  perilous.  One  disorderly  fellow  persisted  in  a 


10.  Give  some  idea  of  the  insufiSiciency  of  this  money  for  support.  11.  What  were  the 
causes  of  this  depreciation  of  currency?  12.  What  of  the  measures  of  Congress  concern- 
ing Continental  money  ? 

Chap.  CXXIII. — 1.  Where  is  Stony  Point?  What  did  Washington  do?  2.  What  of 
General  Wayne ? How  was  the  march  of  the  troops  arranged? 

22* 


258 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


GENERAL  WAYNE. 


determination  to  load  his  gun,  for  which  he  was  killed  by  his  captain 
on  the  spot.  The  fort  was  defended  by  a deep  swamp,  covered  with 
water.  The  troops  marched  through  it,  waist  deep.  The  British 
opened  upon  them  a tremendous  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery ; still 
the  Americans  were  not  allowed  to  fire  a gun. 

4.  But  their  success  was  complete.  The  fort  was  carried  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet,  and  its  surviving  defenders  all  taken.  The  Amer- 
icans lost  about  a hundred  men  in  the  onset,  of  whom  seventeen  were 
of  the  twenty  picked  guards  who  went  in  front  of  the  rest.  The 
British  had  sixty-eight  killed — the  rest  surrendering  at  discretion. 

5.  General  Wayne  was  among  the  wounded  of  the  Americans.  As 
jthey  were  entering  the  fort,  a musket-ball  cut  a gash  in  his  forehead. 
He  fell,  but  rose  upon  one  knee,  and  said,  “Forward,  my  brave  fellows, 
forward!”  Then,  in  a low  voice,  he  said  to  one  of  his  aides,  “Assist 
me;  if  I die,  I will  die  in  the  fort!”  But  the  wound  proved  less 
severe  than  was  at  first  expected. 


3.  What  happened  as  to  one  of  the  soldiers  ? Describe  the  attack  npon  the  fort.  4 
What  was  the  success  of  the  Americans  ? Their  loss?  What  of  the  British  loss  ? 5.  De- 
scribe General  Wayne’s  conduct  when  wounded. 


THE  SIX  NATIONS  AND  OTHER  INDIANS.  259 


6.  General  Wayne  was  a truly  brave  man.  He  was  at  this  time 
about  thirty -five  years  of  age ; but,  though  young,  he  was  old  in  war 
— having  been  continually  employed  in  the  most  active  services  of  his 
country  for  four  years.  He  had  been  in  Canada,  at  Ticonderoga,  at 
Brandywine,  Germantown,  Monmouth,  and  several  other  points  of 
great  hazard  and  danger. 

7.  For  this  brilliant  attack  on  Stony  Point,  Congress  gave  thanks  to 
Washington,  who  contrived  it,  and  a gold  medal  to  Wayne,  who  exe- 
cuted it.  But  the  army  gained,  with  the  fort,  something  beside  mere 
honor.  A large  quantity  of  military  stores,  of  which  they  stood  in 
great,  indeed  absolute,  need,  fell  into  their  hands. 

8.  This  successful  adventure  was  followed,  in  a few  days,  by  another. 
Major  Lee,  wdth  three  hundred  men,  made  a descent  upon  Paulus  Hook, 
a British  post  on  the  Hew  Jersey  shore,  opposite  Hew  York,  which 
he  completely  surprised  and  carried,  Avith  but  two  men  killed  and 
three  wounded. 


CHAPTEE  CXXiy. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — The 
Six  Nations  and  other  Indians, 

1.  The  history  of  events  in  the  United  States  for  the  year  1779  would 
be  incomplete  without  some  further  accounts  of  the  war  with  the 
Indians.  These,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  Wyoming,  were  exceedingly 
troublesome. 

2.  In  May  of  this  year,  a small  body  of  men  from  Fort  Schuyler 
marched  against  the  Onondaga  Indians,  ^nd  burnt  their  village, 
consisting  of  about  fifty  houses,  with  a large  quantity  of  pro- 
visions, without  the  loss  of  a single  man.  They  also  took  thirty- 
iour  prisoners. 

3.  Detached  parties  of  men  were  also  sent  out  against  the  Indians 
on  the  borders  of  South  Carolina,  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pitts- 
burg, Pennsylvania.  On  the  frontier  of  South  Carolina,  eight  Indian 
towns  were  destroyed ; and  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburg,  a num- 
ber of  Indian  huts  and  about  five  hundred  acres  of  corn. 


6.  Give  some  account  of  General  Wayne.  7.  What  rewards  did  Congress  give  ? What 
did  the  Americans  take  in  the  fort  ? 8.  What  exploit  was  performed  by  Major  Lee  ? 

Chap.  CXXIV.— 1.  What  of  the  Indians  in  the  United  States?  2.  What  attack  was 
made  upon  the  Onondaga  Indians?  3.  What  other  attacks  were  made  upon  the 
Indians  ? 


260 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  The  ^‘Six  Nations, as  they  were  called,  had  promised  to  be 

neutral  in  the  war;  but,  ex- 
cept the  Oneidas,  they  be- 
came at  length  quite  trouble- 
some— plundering,  burning, 
and  murdering.  They  were 
instigated,  no  doubt,  by  the 
British  agents.  General  Sul- 
livan, Avith  a part  of  the  Ame- 
rican army,  was  at  length 
sent  out  against  them.  He 
arrived  in  their  country  in 
August. 

5.  The  Indians,  aware  of 
his  ' approach,  had  fortified 
themselves  after  the  English 
fashion.  They  defended  them- 
selves most  manfully  against 
the  attack  of  General  Sullivan 
for  more  than  two  hours. 
They  were,  however,  finally 
driven  from  the  position,  and 
their  villages,  gardens,  corn 
and  fruits  destroyed. 

6.  Still  it  was  in  the  power 
of  detached  parties  of  the  Indians  to  do  much  mischief.  In  July, 


4.  What  of  the  “ Six  Nations”  ? Let  the  pupil  give  an  account  of  the  Five  Nations  from 
the  foot-note.  Who  was  sent  against  them?  5.  How  did  the  Indians  defend  themselves? 

* This  powerful  confederacyij(.consisted  originally  of  the  Fim  Nations^  that  is,  the 
Seneca,  Cayuga,  Onondaga,  Oneida,  and  Mohawk  tribes.  These  were  the  i)r()pcr 
Iroquois,  and  are  to  be  distinguished  from  the  Huron-Iroquois.  They  all  occupied  lands 
in  Western  New  York,  and  the  names  of  towns  and  counties,  at  the  present. day,  indicate 
the  region  of  their  settlements.  Their  great  council-fire  was  with  the  Onondagas,  and 
their  chief  village  was  near  the  present  town  of  Syracuse.  At  what  time  the  confeder- 
ation was  formed  is  not  known,  but  it  was  in  existence  at  the  time  the  French  became 
acquainted  with  them,  in  1609.  The  name  of  Iroquois  was  given  by  the  French  ; the 
Algonquins  called  them  Mingos.  They  were  very  warlike,  and  were  almost  constantly 
engaged  in  hostile  excursions  against  other  savages,  as  well  in  the  East  as  the  South  and 
West. 

The  Tuscaroras,  having  been  defeated  by  the  Carolinians  in  1712,  migrated  to  the  North, 
and  became  a member  of  the  confederacy,  w’hich  from  this  time  has  borne  the  title  of  the 
Six  Nations.  They  were  generally  the  friends  of  the  British  during  the  revolutionary 
war.  They  were  finally  reduced  to  a state  of  submission  and  insignificance.  They  num- 
bered over  forty  thousand  souls  in  1715;  but  at  present  do  not  exceed  three  or  four  thou- 
sand. Most  of  them  are  removed  west  of  the  Mississippi ; a few,  partially  civilized,  being 
in  or  near  their  original  sites  in  Western  New  York.  The  celebrated  Red  Jacket,  who 
died  in  1830,  was  chief  of  one  of  the  tribes,  the  Senecas. 


RED  JACKET,  A SENECA  CHIEF. 


SURRENDER  OF  CHARLESTON. 


261 


about  the  time  of  the  Wyoming  massacre,  Brandt,  the  half-blood  chief, 
with  a body  of  Indians  and  tories,  burnt  ten  houses  and  killed  forty- 
four  men  at  Minisink  settlement,  near  the  Hudson.  The  bones  of  those 
who  fell  there,  after  whitening  in  the  sun  forty-three  years,  were  in 
1823  collected  and  buried  with  much  ceremony. 


CHAPTEK  CXXY. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Surren- 
’ dev  of  Charleston,  — Other  disastrous  Events  in  the 
South, 

1.  The  greater  part  of  the  American  army  at  the  north  had  win- 
tered, 1779-’80,  in  Morristown,  New  Jersey.  There  were,  however, 
strong  detachments  at  West  Point,  and  other  posts  about  the  Hudson, 
and  a body  of  cavalry  in  Connecticut.  Little  was  done  on  either  side 
during  the  winter,  which  was  one  of  unusual  severity.  In  truth,  the 
sufferings  of  the  American  array  were  so  great  that  Washington  at 
times  thought  of  disbanding  them. 

2.  The  army  for  the  campaign  of  1780  was  fixed  by  Congress  at 
thirty -five  thousand  two  hundred  and  eleven  men ; of  which  each  state 
was  to  furnish  its  proportion  by  the  first  day  of  April.  But  it  was 
easier  to  furnish  an  army  on  paper  than  actually  to  procure  the  enlist- 
ments. Only  ten  thousand  four  hundred  men  could  be  actually  mus- 
tered in  April;  while  the  British  force  at  New  York  was  seventeen 
thousand  three  hundred. 

3.  Nor  was  the  condition  of  the  American  array  in  some  other  re- 
spects at  all  encouraging.  Their  wages  were  five  months  in  arrears; 
their  food  was  scanty,  and  sometimes  bad ; they  had  no  sugar,  tea, 
wine,  spirits,  or  medicine ; and,  worse  than  all,  no  prospect  before  them 
of  any  thing  better. 

4.  Gloomy  as  these  circumstances  were,  however,  the  spring  was 
spent  in  preparation  for  war.  In  April,  La  Fayette  returned  from 
France,  with  the  cheering  intelligence  that  a large  land  and  naval  force 
might  soon  be  expected  from  that  country.  They  did  not  arrive,  how- 
ever, till  July;  and  until  their  arrival  the  war  at  the  north  was  con- 
fined to  unimportant  skirmishing. 


6.  What  outrages  were  committed  by  Brandt  ? 

Chap.  CXXV. — 1.  Where  was  the  greater  part  of  the  American  army  in  the  winter  of 
1779-17S0?  Where  were  strong  detachments?  What  of  suffering?  2 What  of  the  army 
for  the  campaign  of  1780  ? What  men  were  actually  raised  ? What  was  the  British  forc<*  ^ 
8.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  American  army?  4.  What  news  was  brought  byl  *^ 
Fayette? 


262 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  But  not  so  at  the  south.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  with  seven  or  eight 
thousand  men,  had  landed  at  Savannah  early  this  year,  and  sailed  from 
that  place  to  attack  Charleston,  which  at  the  time  was  defended  by 
the  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  of  the  south.  General  Lincoln,  and 
Governor  Butledge.  He  opened  his  batteries  upon  the  city,  April  2d. 

6.  The  American  forces  amounted  to  about  five  thousand  men ; and 
they  had  four  hundred  pieces  of  artillery.  But  the  forces  of  the  enemy 
were  much  superior,  and  the  siege  was  carried  on  with  great  spirit., 
On  the  12th  of  May,  the  Americans,  finding  the  fortifications  of  the 
city  mostly  beaten  down,  and  various  neighboring  points  of  importance 
surrendered  to  the  British,  while  no  hopes  of  relief  were  afforded  them, 
capitulated,  and  gave  up  the  place.  In  the  defence  near  one  hundred 
of  their  number  had  been  slain,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  wounded. 

7.  On  the  14th  of  April,  while  the  siege  of  Charleston  was  going  on, 
a body  of  American  cavalry  and  militia  were  surprised  by  the  British 
at  Monk’s  Corner,  thirty-two  miles  north  from  Charleston,  and  dis- 
persed. Fort  Moultrie  also,  on  Sullivan’s  Island,  had  surrendered  on 
the  6th  of  May  to  the  British  naval  forces. 

8.  Another  misfortune  befell  the  American  army  at  the  south  on  the 
29th  of  May.  Lord  Cornwallis,  who  commanded  a division  of  the 
British  troops  near  the  Santee  Hiver,  detached  a body  of  his  men  to 
a place  in  Horth  Carolina,  called  the  Waxhaws,* *  and  completely  cut 
off  a corps  of  four  hundred  men,  under  Colonel  Bufford;  only  one 
hundred  effecting  their  escape. 

9.  Hor  were  these  all  the  misfortunes  of  the  Americans  in  this 
quarter  at  this  period.  The  important  fort  of  Hinety-Six,  in  South 
Carolina,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north-west  from  Charleston,  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  while  the  country  along  the  Savannah 
was  ravaged.  Many  of  the  Americans  in  the  south,  considering  the 
cause  of  the  country  as  hopeless,  joined  the  royal  standard. 

10.  The  southern  American  army  being  now  greatly  reduced,  the 
British  found  it  easy  to  post  garrisons  in  various  parts  of  Carolina,  and 
to  regard  it  as,  in  effect,  conquered.  Only  four  thousand  men  were 
deemed  necessary  to  complete  what  they  had  begun,  and  with  the  rest 
of  the  army  Sir  Henry  Clinton  returned  to  Few  York. 

11.  Meanwhile,  the  state,  though  overrun,  was  very  far  from  being 
conquered.  A partisan  war  was  long  kept  up,  sometimes  with  much 


5.  What  was  taking  place  at  the  south?  6.  What  were  the  forces  of  the  two  parties? 
What  did  the  Americans  conclude  to  do  ? T.  Where  were  a body  of  Americans  surprised 
by  the  British  ? What  of  Fort  Moultrie  ? 8.  What  was  done  by  Lord  Cornwallis  ? 9. 
What  other  misfortunes  befell  the  Americans  at  the  south?  10.  What  did  the  British 
find  it  easy  to  accomjdish? 

* This  place,  on  the  Waxhaw  Creek,  near  its  entrance  into  the  Wateree  or  Catawbii, 
was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north-west  of  Charleston. 


GENERAL  GATES. 


263 


spirit.  Many  gallant  exploits  were  performed,  and  many  triumphs  ob- 
tained, by  Generals  Sumpter,  Marion,  and  others ; so  that  the  British 
could  hardly  fail  to  learn  that  to  gain  a few  victories  and  to  conquer  a 
country,  "were  very  different  things. 


CHAPTER  CXXYI. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Gates 
Commander  of  the  Soitthern  Army, — Disastrous  Battle 
near  Camden, — Various  Events  at  the  South  and  at  the 
North, — Arrival  of  the  French  Fleet  and  Army  under 
Bochamheau, 

I.  About  this  period.  General  Lincoln  was  superseded  in  the  com- 
mand of  the  American  army 
at  the  south  by  General  Gates. 
The  Baron  de  Kalb,  a brave 
German  officer,  was  second  in 
the  command.  Their  troops 
amounted  to  one  thousand 
regular  soldiers  and  three 
thousand  militia. 

2.  General  Horatio  Gates 
was  an  Englishman  by  birth, 
but  had  often  served  in  the 
British  army  in  America  dur- 
ing the  colonial  wars.  Some- 
where between  the  years  1763 
and  1770  he  removed  to  Amer- 
ica, and  settled  in  Virginia.  In 
1775  he  w^as  made  a briga- 
dier-general. He  continued  in 
the  army — chiefly  at  the  north 
— till  the  year  1780,  when  he 
was  transferred  to  the  south. 

3.  At  the  time  of  the  cap- 

couNT  RocHAMBEAu.  turc  of  Burgoyue,  Gates  was 

about  fifty  years  of  age.  His 
success  had  rendered  him  extremely  popular,  while  Washington,  less 

II.  What  of  Sumpter,  Marion,  etc.? 

Chap.  CXXVI. — 1.  What  of  the  American  army  at  the  south?  Its  commanders?  2. 
Give  some  account  of  General  Gates.  3.  What  state  of  feeling  was  shown  respecting 
Gates  and  W.ashington  ? 


264 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


fortunate  at  this  juncture,  was  rather  unpopular.  Efforts  were  made  to 
remove  Washington  from  the  command  of  the  army,  and  supply  his 
place  by  Gates,  but  they  were  as  unsuccessful  as  they  were  unreasonable. 

4.  General  Gates  marched  with  his  troops  from  North  Carolina 
toward  Charleston.  On  the  road,  six  or  seven  hundred  Virginia  militia 
joined  him.  When  near  Camden,  in  South  Carolina,  one  hundred  and 
ten  miles  north-west  from  Charleston,  he  was  met  by  Lord  Cornwallis 
and  two  thousand  regular  troops,  who  gave  him  battle.  The  Virginia 
militia  and  part  of  the  others  threw  down  their  arms  and  fled  at  the 
beginning  of  the  fight.  The  regular  soldiers  fought  bravely,  but  were 
finally  overpowered  by  numbers. 

5.  This  battle  occurred  August  16th,  and  was  exceedingly  severe. 
Not  only  the  battle-ground  itself,  but  the  fields,  roads,  and  swamps,  for 
many  miles  round,  were  covered,  as  it  were,  with  the  slain.  Of  the 
Americans,  seven  hundred  and  thirty -two  were  killed  or  captured ; 
the  British  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  also  very  heavy.  Among 
the  slain  was  the  Baron  de  Kalb,  to  whose  memory  Congress  ordered 
a jnonument  to  be  erected.  With  the  remnant  of  his  forces  Gates 
rapidly  retreated  into  North  Carolina. 

6.  Another  defeat  soon  followed.  General  Sumpter,  having  taken  a 
small  fort,  with  about  three  hundred  prisoners,  and  a large  quantity  of 
stores  intended  for  the  British  army  at  Camden,  was  retreating  with 
his  booty  up  the  Wateree  Kiver,  when  Colonel  Tarleton,  with  a part 
of  the  British  army,  surprised  him,  rescued  the  prisoners,  and  killed, 
wounded,  or  dispersed  his  whole  force. 

7.  But,  after  this  long  series  of  reverses,  the  tide  of  the  southern 
war  began  to  turn.  Exasperated  by  the  atrocities  committed  in  North 
Carolina  by  a detachment  of  the  British,  and  profligate  Americans  who 
had  joined  them,  the  militia  armed  themselves  as  best  they  could,  and 
fell  upon  them  fiercely  at  a place  called  King’s  Mountain.* *  They 
were  defeated,  with  but  little  loss  on  the  part  of  the  Americans.  No 
less  than  eight  hundred  of  their  best  troops  were  taken  prisoners,  with 
fifteen  hundred  stand  of  arms.  Ferguson,  the  British  commander,  was 
killed.  This  battle  took  place  October  7th,  1780. 

8.  The  British  were  also  defeated  on  the  12th  of  November,  in  a 
partial  engagement  at  Broad  River,  and  again,  eight  days  afterward  on 
Tiger  River.  The  losses,  however,  in  either  of  these  two  last  engage- 


4.  What  of  the  march  of  General  Gates  ? What  battle  was  fought  near  Camden  ? 5. 
What  was  the  loss  on  both  sides  ? What  of  Baron  de  Kalb  ? 6.  What  of  General  Sumpter 
^nd  Colonel  Tarleton?  7.  Where  were  the  British  defeated?  8.  Other  defeats  of  the 
British  ? 

* King’s  Mountain  is  near  the  boundary  between  North  and  South  Carolina,  and  in  the 
present  Gaston  county,  North  Carolina,  two  hundred  miles  west  Dy  south  of  Raleigh. 


THE  TREASON  OF  ARNOLD. 


265 


merits,  were  but  trifling;  nor  were  the  advantages  gained  of  very  great 
consequence. 

9.  It  has  been  seen,  in  another  place,  that  little  was  done  at  the  north 
during  the  early  part  of  the  year  1780.  In  June,  about  five  thousand 
British  soldiers,  under  General  Knip-hau'-sen,  plundered  and  burned 
several  villages  in  New  Jersey,  and,  in  a few  instances,  committed  the 
grossest  acts  of  barbarity. 

10.  The  arrival  of  the  French  fleet  at  Newport,  July  10th,  1780,  con- 
sisting of  seven  sail  of  tho  line,  five  frigates,  five  smaller  vessels,  and 
several  transports,  under  Admiral  de  Ternay,  and  about  six  thousand 
men  under  Count  Rochambeau,  a spirited  officer,  infused  new  courage 
into  the  whole  country,  and  perhaps  gave  a new  turn  to  the  war. 


CHAPTER  CXXVIL 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued.  — The 
Treason  of  Benedict  A.Tnold. 

1.  We  come  now  to  some  of  the  most  painfully  interesting  events 
in  the  history  of  the  American  Revo- 
lutionary war.  These  are,  the  treason 
of  General  Arnold,  and  the  consequent 
capture  and  execution  of  Major  Andre, 
an  excellent  British  officer,  as  a spy. 

2.  General  Benedict  Arnold  was  a 
native  of  Norwich,  in  Connecticut, 
His  father  was  a man  of  doubtful  in- 
tegrity, but  he  had  a good  mother. 
His  education  was  merely  such  as  the 
common  schools  of  the  place  could 
give.  While  yet  a lad,  he  was  appren- 
ticed to  a firm  of  druggists  in  Nor- 
wich ; but  he  ran  away  several  times 
during  his  apprenticeship,  beside  be- 
ing, in  other  ways,  a source  of  perpetual  trouble  to  his  friends, 

3.  Every  thing  pertaining  to  this  early  period  of  his  life,  indicated  a 
want  of  conscientiousness — cruelty,  ill-temper,  and  recklessness  with 
regard  to  the  good  or  ill  opinion  of  others.  Robbing  birds’  nests. 


9.  Describe  the  pillage  committed  by  the  British  in  New  Jersey.  10.  What  fleet  and 
forces  arrived  at  Newport  ? What  effect  had  the  arrival  of  these  French  forces  at  New- 
port? 

Chap.  CXXVII. — 1.  Who  was  Major  Andre  ? 2.  Give  some  account  of  Benedict  Arnold. 
8.  Describe  hia  youth, 

23 


266 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


maiming  and  mangling  young  birds  to  draw  forth  cries  from  the  old 
ones,  vexing  children,  and  calling  them  hard  names,  and  even  beating 
them,  were  among  the  frequent,  if  not  daily,  pastimes  of  his  youth. 

4.  He  was  also  fond  of  daring,  not  to  say  dangerous,  feats.  For  ex- 
ample, he  sometimes  took  grain  to  a grist  mill  in  the  neighborhood 
and,  while  waiting  for  the  meal,  he  would  amuse  himself  and  astonish 
his  playmates  by  clinging  to  the  arms  of  the  large  water-wheel,  and 
passing  with  it  beneath  and  above  the  water. 

5.  At  the  close  of  his  apprenticeship,  he  commenced  business  as  a 
druggist  in  Hew  Haven.  His  enterprise  and  activity  insured  success 
for  a time ; but  his  speculations  ended  in  bankruptcy.  He  returned,  it 
is  true,  to  his  business ; but  he  was  never  esteemed  for  honesty  or  solid 
integrity,  either  before  or  afterward. 

6.  While  an  apprentice,  he  had  once  enlisted  in  the  army ; but,  dis- 
liking his  duties,  had  deserted.  When  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington arrived,  Arnold,  who  had  become  a captain  of  what  were  called 
the  Governor’s  Guard,  took  occasion  to  harangue  the  people,  and  call 
for  volunteers.  Sixty  men  joined  him,  and  they  set  out  for  Cambridge. 
His  subsequent  movem^ts  have  been  alluded  to  in  other  chapters. 

7.  The  autumn  of  1780  found  him  in  the  command  of  West  Point,  on 
the  Hudson,  Here  he  secretly  entered  into  an  arrangement  with  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  the  British  commander  in  Hew  York,  to  give  up  the  fort 
of  West  Point,  with  the  men,  arms,  stores,  etc.,  to  the  British.  Such  a 
result,  had  it  not  been  for  a timely  discovery  of  the  plot,  would  doubt- 
less have  been  effected. 

8.  What  adds  greatly  to  the  wickedness  of  Arnold,  in  this  matter,  is 
the  fact  that  he  enjoyed  the  entire  confidence  of  Washington,  by  whom 
he  had  always  been  well  treated,  and  also  that  he  had  solicited  the 
command  of  West  Point  with  a special  view  to  the  commission  of 
this  act  of  treachery.  Had  he  betrayed  Washington  and  his  country 
in  a moment  of  angry  excitement,  the  case  would  have  been  far  dif- 
ferent. 

4.  What  were  some  of  his  feats?  5.  How  did  he  commence  business?  How  was  ho 
esteemed  ? 6.  What  took  place  while  he  was  enlisted  as  a soldier  in  the  army?  What 
did  he  do  on  hearing  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  ? T.  What  did  he  engage  to  do  for  the 
British  as  to  West  Point?  8.  What  added  to  the  wickedness  of  Arnold  ? 


CAPTURE  OF  MAJOR  ANDRE. 


267 


CHAPTEK  CXXYIII. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Cajp- 

ture  of  Major  Andre, 

1.  The  agent  employed  in  Arnold’s  negotiations  with  Sir  Henry 

Clinton  was  John 
An  dr  6,  adjutant- 
general  of  the  Brit-i 
ish  army.  He  was 
a n accomplished 
young  man,  about 
twenty-nine  years 
of  age.  To  favor 
his  communica- 
tions with  Arnold, 
the  Vulture,  a Brit- 
ish sloop  of  war, 
had  been  previous- 
ly stationed  in  the 
Hudson,  as  near 
West  Point  as  it 
could  he  without 
exciting  suspicion. 

2.  On  the  night 
of  September  21st, 

MAJOR  ANDRfe.  a boat  w a 8 s 6 11 1 

from  the  shore  to 

bring  Major  Andre  from  on  board  the  Vulture.  When  it  returned, 
Arnold  met  him  at  the  beach,  outside  of  the  forts  of  both  armies.  Their 
secret  interview  took  place  at  Haverstraw,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Hudson.  To  arrange  all  the  details  of  the  surrender  of  the  fort  re- 
quired considerable  time,  and  the  business  was  not  finished  till  it  was 
too  near  morning  for  Andre  to  return  to  the  Vulture;  he  was  therefore 
obliged  to  conceal  himself  for  the  day,  within  the  American  lines. 

3.  During  his  absence,  the  Vulture  had  changed  her  position,  and 
Andre,  unable  to  get  on  board,  was  compelled  to  cross  to  the  east  side 
of  the  river  and  set  out  for  Hew  York  by  land.  After  exchanging  his 
uniform  for  a plain  dress,  and  receiving  a passport  from  Arnold,  under 
the  name  of  John  Anderson,  he  set  out  on  horseback,  and  made  the 
best  of  his  way  down  the  river. 


Chap.  C XX VIII. — 1 What  of  Andro?  What  sloop  was  stationed  in  the  Hudson  to  aid 
Andr6's  operations?  2.  What  meeting  took  place  on  September  21st,  1780?  3.  What  was 
Andr6  compelled  to  do  ? 


268 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  He  had  the  address,  with  the  aid  of  his  passport,  to  escape  the 
suspicions  of  the  guards  and  outposts  of  the  army.  But  when  he  came 
to  Tarrytown,  a small  village  about  thirty  miles  north  of  Hew  York, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  he  was  met  by  three  Hew  York  militia 
belonging  to  a scouting  party,  who,  after  examining  his  papers,  allowed 
him  to  pass  on. 

5.  One  of  them,  however,  suspecting  from  his  appearance  that  all  was 
not  right,  called  him  back.  Andre  asked  them  where  they  were  from. 

“ From  down  be- 
low,” they  replied. 
“ So  am  I,”  said 
he.  They  thenar^ 
rested  him ; upon 
which  he  owned  he 
was  a British  offi- 
cer, and  endeavor- 
ed to  bribe  them  to 
release  him,  by  the 
offer  of  a purse  of 
gold  and  his  watch. 

6.  But  they  w'ero 
not  to  be  bribed, 
though  they  were 
poor  and  needy. 
They  conducted  him  to  Col.  Jameson,  tlieir  commander,  who,wffiile  he 
secured  him,  incautiously  allowed  him  to  drop  a line  to  Arnold,  'who, 
on  receiving  the  letter,  went  at  once  on  board  the  Vulture,  and  thus 
escaped  the  punishment  which  would  otherwise  have  been  inflicted. 

7.  Washington,  at  this  moment,  was  on  his  way  from  Connecticut, 
wffiere  he  had  been  to  confer  with  Count  Eochambeau.  He  arrived 
at  West  Point  just  in  time  to  save  it  from  being  delivered  up  to  the 
British,  but  not  in  time  to  secure  Arnold. 

8.  Andre,  in  the  mean  time,  was  tried  by  a board  of  fourteen  mili- 
tary officers,  who,  after  hearing  his  confession — for  he  was  too  noble 
a man  to  deny  any  part  of  the  truth — unanimously  pronounced  him 
d,  spy  ; and  declared  that,  “agreeably  to  the  laws  and  usages  of  na- 
tions, he  should  suffer  death.” 

9.  Though  prepared  to  die,  he  still  shrank  from  perishing  on  a gib- 
bet, and  therefore  entreated  to  be  shot.  Washington,  moved  by  his 
appeals,  presented  his  request  to  his  officers ; but  it  was  refused.  He 


examination  of  A7SDRE. 


4.  Describe  his  journey  on  horseback.  What  happened  at  Tarrytown?  5.  What 
passed  between  Andre  and  the  three  men?  6,  Where  did  they  take  him?  What  of 
Arnold?  T.  Where  was  Washington  at  this  time  ? 8.  Describe  Andre’s  trial  and  doom 


EXECUTION  OF  HALE  AND  PALMER.  26^ 

exi^red  on  gallows,  October  2d,  1780,  at  Tappan,  in  New  Jersey, 
twenty-eiglit  miles  above  New  York. 

10.  The  three  brave  young  men  who  took  him,  whose  names  were 
John  Paulding,  David  Williams,  and  Isaac  Yan  Wart,  were  rewarded 
by  Congress,  in  an  annual  pension  of  two  hundred  dollars  each  for  life, 
and  a silver  medal,  on  one  side  of  which  was  a shield,  inscribed, 
‘‘Fidelity and  on  the  other  the  motto,  Vincit  amor patrice^  or  “The 
love  of  country  conquers.” 

11.  Washington  concerted  a plan  for  seizing  Arnold,  and  saving 
Andr6,  but  it  did  not  succeed.  Oharnpe,  a bold  and  persevering  sol- 
dier, was  to  desert  to  the  British  army,  in  New  York,  watch  his  op- 
portunity, and  bring  off  Arnold  to  the  American  camp.  After  seizing 
Arnold,  he  was  to  have  been  met  at  the  lines  of  the  two  armies  and 
assisted  in  securing  him.  Champe  entered  upon  the  proj'ect,  reached 
New  York,  and  had  nearly  succeeded,  when  Arnold  suddenly  changed 
his  quarters,  and  the  scheme  failed. 


CHAPTEE  CXXIX. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Execu- 
tion of  Hale  and  Palmer, — Col,  Trumbull  in  London, 

1.  We  have  already  noticed  some  of  the  evils  of  war,  but  there  is 
at  least  one  more;  it  is  the  dreadful  system  of  retaliation.  If  one 
opposing  party  burns  a village,  or  plunders  private  property,  or  hangs 
deserters,  the  other  is  apt  to  do  so,  in  order  to  avenge  itself.  Had  it 
not  been  for  this — for  what  was  deemed  a necessity,  under  this  system, 
by  the  American  officers — Andre  might  have  been  spared,  for  his  high 
character  was  well  known,  and  there  was  great  sympathy  for  him,  as 
well  among  his  enemies  as  his  friends. 

2.  After  the  Americans  had  retreated  from  Long  Island,  in  the  year 
1776,  Captain  Nathan  Hale  passed  over  to  the  island  in  disguise,  and 
examined  carefully  every  part  of  the  British  army,  and  found  out  its 
general  plan  of  movement;  but  just  as  he  was  ready  to  return,  he  was 
taken,  found  guilty,  and  executed.  The  presence  of  a clergyman,  and 
even  the  use  of  a Bible,  were  denied  him,  and  the  letters  which  he 
wrote  to  his  friends  were  destroyed. 

3.  The  Americans  never  forgot  this.  While  the  war  was  going  on 
with  Burgoyne  in  the  north,  and  General  Clinton  was  trying  to  force 

9.  What  Av as  his  request?  Where  was  he  executed?  10.  How  were  the  three  men 
rewarded  who  took  Andre?  11.  What  plan  had  Washington  formed?  What  was  Champe 
V)do?  What  did  he  accomplish? 

Chap.  CXXIX.  1. — What  is  one  of  the  evils  of  war  ? 2.  What  of  Captain  Nathan  Hale? 

23* 


270 


HJ8TORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


a passage  up  the  Hudson,  spies  and  scouts  were  constantly  passing  be- 
tween the  two  armies.  One  Palmer  was  at  last  caught  by  the  army  un- 
der General  Putnam,  and  executed.  He  had  been  an  American  tory,  but 
had  deserted  to  the  British,  and  received  a lieutenant’s  commission. 

4.  The  British  general  in  Hew  York,  having  heard  of  the  arrest  of 
Palmer,  wrote  to  General  Putnam,  entreating  that  he  might  be  spared, 
and  threatening  vengeance  in  case  of  a refusal.  But  neither  his  en- 
treaties nor  his  threats  moved  Putnam,  and  Palmer  was  condemned  as 
a spy  and  executed. 

5.  The  brave  Colonel  Trumbull  has  been  mentioned.  He  was  in 
London,  pursuing  his  studies  as  a painter,  when  the  news  of  Andre’s 
death  arrived ; and  though  Trumbull  had  been  entirely  disconnected 
from  the  army  for  several  years,  he  was  now  carefully  watched,  and  at 
length  taken  and  subjected  to  a rigid  examination.  Their  rough 
method  of  examination  not  pleasing  him,  he  soon  brought  it  to  a close 
by  a voluntary  confession. 

6.  “I  will  put  an  end  to  all  this  insolent  folly,”  said  he,  "‘by  telling 
you  who  and  what  I am.  I am  an  American — my  name  is  Trumbull ; 
I am  son  of  him  whom  you  call  the  rebel  governor  of  Connecticut; 
I have  served  in  the  rebel  American  army,  and  I have  had  the  honor 
of  being  aide-de-camp  to  him  you  call  the  rebel  General  Washington.” 

7.  He  was  respected  for  his  frankness  and  his  spirit,  but  not  re- 
leased. After  further  examination,  he  was  committed  to  prison,  and 
would  probably  have  been  executed  but  for  the  kind  interference  of 
West,  the  celebrated  American  painter,  then  in  London  and  on  good 
terms  with  the  king,  who  persuaded  the  latter  to  spare  his  life.  He 
was,  however,  kept  in  close  confinement  seven  months. 


CHAPTER  CXXX. 

Period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Continued. — Arnold 
invades  Virginia  and  New  London, 

1.  Arnold  received  6,315  pounds  sterling — equal  to  about  thirty 
thousand  dollars — for  his  treachery,  with  the  commission  of  a brig- 
adier-general in  the  service  of  his  majesty,  the  British  king.  His 
vanity  and  extravagance  had  involved  him  in  debt,  and  he  doubtless 
sold  himself  and  his  country  for  the  means  of  replenishing  his  purse. 


3.  What  took  place  during  the  war  at  the  north  ? What  was  the  fate  of  Palmer  ? 4. 
What  passed  between  the  British  general  and  Putnam  ? 5.  What  happened  to  Colonel 

Trumbull  ? 6.  Repeat  his  confession.  7.  How  w^as  he  treated  ? 

Chap.  CXXX. — 1.  How  was  Arnold  rewarded  for  his  treachery?  What  was  probably 
the  eause  of  his  fall  ? 


ARNOLD  INVADES  VIRGINIA. 


271 


2.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in  New  York,  he  published  an  “ Address 
to  the  Inhabitants  of  America,”  explaining  the  course  he  had  pursued, 
and  endeavoring  to  justify  himself  in  it.  It  was  of  little  force,  how- 
ever. It  was  rather  a tirade  against  Congress  and  the  alliance  with 
the  French,  than  an  address  to  the  Americans,  or  an  apology  for  his 
own  conduct. 

3.  In  about  two  months  after  he  joined  the  British,  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  an  expedition  against  Virginia,  consisting 
of  sixteen  hundred  men.  A violent  gale  separated  the  fleet  in  which 
he  and  his  men  had  embarked,  but  they  all  arrived  at  Hampton  Roads 
about  December  80th,  except  four  hundred  of  the  troops,  who  were  a 
week  later. 

4.  Not  waiting  for  those  who  were  missing,  Arnold  proceeded  up 
the  James  River,  burning  and  plundering,  without  any  distinction  be- 
tween public  and  private  property.  After  doing  all  the  mischief  he 
could,  he  descended  the  river,  and  stationed  himself  at  Portsmouth ; 
and  in  a few  weeks  after  returned  to  New  York. 

5.  TVashington  and  La  Fayette  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost  to 
cause  him  to  be  captured,  but  without  success,  A French  fleet  was 
even  sent  to  the  mouth  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  chiefly  for  this  service,  but 
they  were  pursued  by  the  British  admiral  Arbuthnot ; and  though 
they  had  captured  some  of  Arnold’s  vessels,  they  were  compelled  to 
retire  to  Newport.  Arnold  took  care  to  secure  his  own  person. 

6.  We  hear  little  more  of  this  desperate  man— except  that  he  en- 
deavored, without  success,  to  make  an  attack  upon  West  Point — till  the 
autumn  of  1781,  when  he  made  a descent  with  fifteen  hundred  men 
upon  the  mouth  of  the  Connecticut  River,  and  took  Forts  Trumbull 
and  Griswold,  committing  a merciless  slaughter  at  the  latter  place, 
after  the  troops  had  partly  surrendered,  and  burning  the  town  of  New 
London. 

7.  Not  long  after  these  last  events,  he  sailed  for  England.  He  lived 
till  the  year  1801,  but  was  almost  unnoticed.  A small  part  of  his 
time  was  spent  at  St,  John’s  in  the  province  of  New  Brunswick,  and 
in  the  West  Indies ; but  the  greater  portion  of  it  was  spent  in  London, 
where  he  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-one  years.  Arnold  the  Traitor  has 
become  a name  of  infamy  throughout  this  country,  and  even  in  Eng- 
land, where  he  was  generally  despised. 


2.  What  did  he  do  soon  after  his  arrival  in  New  York  ? 3.  To  what  expedition  was 

tie  appointed  commander?  4.  Describe  his  march  up  the  James  River.  5.  What  means 
were  used  to  take  Arnold  ? 6,  T.  What  more  do  we  hear  of  him  ? When  did  he  die  ? 


272 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES! 


CHAPTEE  CXXXI, 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Contikued.- 

at  the  South, 


-Events 


1.  We  have  been  carried  forward  a little  in  the  history  of  the  war,  in 

order  to  finish  the  story  of  ArnohL 
Let  ns  now  return  to  Washington 
and  the  American  army,  whom  we 
left  stunned  with  amazement  at 
tlie  conduct  of  the  traitor,  at  W^est 
Point. 

2.  The  troops  wintered — 1780- 
1781,  for  the  most  part  in  ISTew  Jer- 
sey, as  they  had  done  the  year  be- 
fore. In  the  spring  of  1781,  the 
Pennsylvania  troops,  to  the  num- 
ber of  thirteen  hundred,  revolted 
and  rebelled  for  want  of  pay.  It 
was  found,  on  examination,  that 
their  complaints  were  well  found- 
ed. Their  claims  being  met,  the 
rebellion  ceased. 

8.  Little  was  done  at  the  north,  during  the  year  1781,  except  what 
has  been  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  story  of  Arnold.  The 
theatre  of  war  was  principally  at  the  south.  General  Greene  had 
succeeded  to  General  Gates,  as  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  army 
there,  and  afiairs  soon  began  to  wear  a more  favorable  aspect. 

4.  A brilliant  victory  was  gained,  January  17th,  of  this  year,  by  a 
part  of  General  Greene’s  army,  under  General  Morgan,  at  a place  called 
the  Cowpens,  in  the  western  part  of  South  Carolina,  near  King’s  Moun- 
tain, over  a detachment  of  British  troops  under  Colonel  Tarleton.  Th  / 
latter  had  one  thousand  of  the  best  men  of  the  army  ; the  former  aboi  > 
five  hundred  regulars  and  a few  raw  militia,  only  half  clothed  and  haJ 
fed. 

5>  The  Americans,  with  a loss  of  only  twelve  in  killed  and  sixty 
wounded,  took  five  hundred  prisoners,  besides  twelve  standards,  twc 
pieces  of  artillery,  eight  hundred  muskets,  thirty-five  baggage  wagons, 


GKNERAL  GREENE. 


Chap.  CXXXI. — 2.  Where  did  the  American  troops  winter  1180- 1T81  ? What  of  the 
troops  in  the  spring  of  1T81  ? 3.  Who  succeeded  General  Gates  in  command  at  the  south  ? 
4.  Describe  the  battle  of  the  ('owpens.  5.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  Americans?  What 
prisoners  and  baggage  fell  into  their  hands  ? 


WAR  AT  THE  SOUTH. 


273 


and  one  hundred  horses,  and  killed  one  hundred  and  wounded  two 

hundred  men.  So  disastrous 
an  event  gave  a permanent 
check  to  the  progress  of  the 
British  troops  in  the  Southern 
states. 

6.  At  the  time  of  the  defeat 
of  Tarleton,  Lord  Cornwallis 
was  on  the  point  of  invading 
ITorth  Carolina,  hut  he  now 
went  in  pursuit  of  General 
Morgan,  who  made  a rapid 
retreat.  General  Greene,  sus- 
pecting Cornwallis’  intentions, 
set  out  with  his  troops  to  re- 
inforce Morgan.  Having  left 
the  main  body  of  his  army  at 
the  left  bank  of  the  Pedee 
Kiver,  opposite  Cheraw,  he 
arrived,  and  took  command  of 
Morgan’s  division,  closely  pur- 
sued however  by  Cornwallis. 

7.  By  a series  of  masterly 
movements,  and  great  good 
fortune,  the  season  seeming  to 

aid  him  and  his  troops,  Greene  baffled  his  pursuers,  until  at  last,  having 
. joined  his  forces  and  received  several  reinforcements,  his  army 
amounting  to  forty-four  hundred  men,  he  took  a station  at  Guilford 
court-house,* *  and  awaited  the  enemy. 

8.  Here  on  the  15th  March,  he  was  attacked  by  the  British,  com- 
manded by  Cornwallis  in  person.  A severe  engagement  followed,  in 
which,  though  the  enemy  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  about  five  hun- 
dred men,  they  were  at  last  victorious.  The  Americans  lost  about 
four  hundred  men,  mostly  regular  troops — the  militia  having  fled  at 
the  beginning  of  the  battle.  But  the  result  of  the  engagement  to  the 
British  was  little  less  injurious  than  a defeat. 

• 9.  Another  battle  was  fought,  on  the  25th  of  April,  near  Camden. 
The  British  had  fortified  the  place,  and  left  Lord  Rawdon  and  nine  hun- 


6.  What  of  Lord  Cornwallis  ? T.  What  of  the  movements  of  General  Greene  ? 8.  What 
of  the  battle  at  Guilford  court-house  ? 9.  What  of  the  battle  of  Camden  ? 

* Guilford  court-house  was  about  six  miles  south  of  the  present  Greensborough,  in 
North  Carolina,  eighty  miles  north-west  of  Raleigh.  Camden,  in  South  Carolina,  as 
already  stated,  is  one  hundred  and  ten  miles  north-west  from  Charleston. 

12* 


274 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


dred  men  to  guard  it.  General  Greene,  with  twelve  hundred  men  at- 
tacked them,  but  was  at  length  obliged  to  retreat  without  accomplish* * 
ing  his  purpose. 

10.  But  all  these  victories  of  the  British  were  dearly  bought,  and 
were  fast  reducing  their  strength.  The  defence  of  Camden  alone, 
though  successful,  had  cost  them  nearly  three  hundred  out  of  nine 
hundred  men.  It  was  therefore  concluded,  not  only  to  evacuate 
Camden,  but  also  all  their  other  posts  in  Carolina,  except  ISTinety-Six* 
and  Charleston.  Here  they  still  had  strong  forces. 

11.  The  former  place,  Ninety-Six,  was  attacked  by  General  Greene 
on  the  18th  of  June,  but  he  was  again  unsuccessful,  though  the  British 
some  time  afterward  evacuated  the  place  and  retired  to  the  Eutaw 
Springs,  forty  miles  north-west  from  Charleston.  A close  engagement 
took  place  at  these  Springs,  September  8th,  in  which  both  sides  claimed 
the  victory.  The  British  lost,  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  eleven 
hundred  men ; the  Americans  half  as  many. 

12.  This  finished  the  war,  for  the  time,  in  South  Carolina.  The  Brit- 
ish retired  to  Charleston,  and  General  Greene,  satisfied  with  driving 
them  out  of  the  country,  did  not  molest  them  further.  For  his  good 
conduct  at  Eutaw  Springs  and  elsewhere.  Congress  presented  him 
with  a British  standard  and  a gold  medal. 


CHAPTEE  CXXXIl. 

Period  of  the  Eevolutionary  War,  Continued. — Nmal 
Operations, 

1.  The  naval  operations  of  the  Revolutionary  war  have  been  alluded 
to  in  connection  with  the  story  of  Paul  Jones.  A few  other  engage- 
ments, in  the  years  1779,  1780,  and  1781,  remain  to  he  mentioned. 

2.  Some  time  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1779,  the  Hampden,  a twenty- 
two-gun  ship  that  sailed  from  Massachusetts,  engaged  an  English  vessel, 
five  hundred  miles  north  of  the  A-zores'.  In  this  action,  though  the 
Hampden  was  obliged  to  haul  off,  the  British  were  not  disposed  to 
triumph.  This  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  most  closely  contested 
actions  of  the  war. 


10.  What  was  the  effect  of  their  success  upon  the  British?  11.  What  place  was  attacked 
by  General  Greene  ? What  of  Eutaw  Springs  ? 12.  What  of  General  Greene  ? Where 
did  the  British  retire  ? 

Chap.  CXXXIl.— 2.  What  of  the  Hampden  ? 

* Ninety-Six  was  in  South  Carolina,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north-west  from 
Charleston. 


NAVAL  OPERATIONS. 


276 


3.  During  the  summer  of  1779,  Commodore  Nicholson,  with  two 
ships,  one  of  thirty-two  guns,  and  the  other  of  twenty-four,  made  a 
cruise,  in  which  he  took  many  prizes,  but  fought  no  important  battle. 
The  Providence,  of  twelve  guns,  this  year  took  the  Diligent,  a British 
vessel  of  equal  size  ; and  the  Hazard,  of  fourteen  guns,  took  the  British 
vessel  Active,  of  eighteen  guns,  after  a bloody  battle  of  thirty  minutes. 

4.  During  the  early  part  of  the  year  1780,  while  the  French  fleet, 
under  Count  d’’Estaing,  was  in  the  West  Indies,  the  British,  by  means 
of  their  superior  force,  were  able  to  capture  or  destroy  a cons’ der able 
part  of  the  little  navy  of  the  United  States.  The  Providence,  twenty- 
eight  guns,  the  Queen  of  France,  twenty-eight,  the  Boston,  twenty^ 
four,  the  Ranger,  eighteen,  and  several  others,  successively  fell  into^ 
their  hands. 

5.  On  the  2d  of  June,  a most  severely  contested  action  was  fought, 
some  five  hundred  miles  eastward  of  the  coast  of  Virginia,  between  the 
Trumbull,  of  twenty-eight  guns,  Commodore  Nicholson,  and  the  Wyatt, 
Captain  Coulthard,  of  thirty-two  or  thirty- six  guns.  The  Trumbull 
had  thirty-nine  men  killed  and  wounded;  the  Wyatt  nearly  a hundred. 
The  latter,  though  severely  injured,  escaped, 

6.  In  October,  of  the  same  year,  the  Saratoga,  of  sixteen  guns. 
Captain  Young,  captured  a British  ship  of  war  and  two  brigs,  after  a 
short  but  very  spirited  action.  The  Saratoga  was  run  alongside  of 
the  enemy’s  vessel  at  once,  and  her  men  boarded  her  and  fought  for 
victory  on  the  deck  of  the  enemy’s  ship,  and  against  a force  double 
their  own. 

7.  During  the  year  1781,  the  Alliance,  of  thirty-two  guns.  Captain 
Barry,  had  several  engagements  with  vessels  nearly  her  own  size,  in 
all  of  which  she  was  victorious.  The  principal  of  these  was  on  the 
28th  of  May.  On  this  occasion  she  fought  two  ships,  one  of  sixteeiA 
guns  and  another  of  fourteen.  Both  were  taken. 

8.  The  Trumbull,  still  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Nicholson, 
had  a most  sanguinary  engagement,  on  the  8th  of  August  of  this  year, 
off  the  Capes  of  Delaware,  with  the  British  frigate  Iris,  of  thirty-two 
guns,  and  the  Shark,  of  eighteen,  in  which  the  Trumbull  was  finally 
captured ; but  not  till  she  had  first  almost  disabled  the  Iris, 

9.  Some  other  engagements  took  place  on  the  ocean,  both  in  1781 
and  1782,  but  they  were  chiefly  of  the  same  general  character"  with 
those  described  above.  Let  us  now  return  to  the  war  in  the  Southern 
states,  and  especially  the  operations  of  Cornwallis. 


3.  VThat  of  Commodore  Nicholson  ? What  British  ships  were  taken  in  1779  ? 4.  What 
was  done  by  the  British  navy  in  the  year  1780  ? 5.  Describe  the  action  of  the  2d  June. 

6.  That  of  October.  7.  What  was  done  by  the  Alliance  ? 8.  What  of  the  engagement  be- 
tween  the  Trumbull  and  the  Iris  and  Shark  ? 9.  Other  engagements  ? 


276 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


OHAPTEE  CXXXIII. 

Period  of  the  Ee  volution  ary  War,  Continued, — Su7^- 
render  of  Lord  Cornwallis, 

1.  Soon  after  the  battle  at  Guilford  court-house,  Cornwallis  lefb 

South  Carolina  to  the 
care  of  Lord  Raw- 
don,  and  inarched 
into  Virginia.  This 
was  just  after  the 
French  fleet,  with  a 
land  force  of  three 
thousand  men,  under 
La  Fayette,  wliich 
had  been  sent  against 
Arnold  in  Virginia, 
Jiad  returned  toward 
the  north.  On  reach- 
ing Elk  ton,  in  Mary- 
land, La  Fayette 

SURRENDER  OP  LORD  CORNWALLIS.  heard  of  tlic  arrival 

of  Lord  Cornwallis 

at  Petersburg,  and  hastened  with  his  troops  to  meet  him. 

2.  As  La  Fayette  approached  Petersburg,  Cornwallis  offered  him 
battle ; but  finding  his  forces  greatly  inferior  to  those  of  the  British, 
he  chose  to  retreat,  and  wait  for  reinforcements.  Meanwhile,  Wash- 
ington and  other  officers  at  the  north  were  making  every  possible  prep- 
aration for  an  attack  upon  INew  Y^ork;  and  were  already  concentrat- 
ing their  forces,  including  the  French,- under  Rochambeau,  at  Kiiigs- 
bridge. 

3.  About  this  time,  Cornwallis  received  a reinforcement  of  troops, 
upon  which,  after  various  movements,  he  marched  to  Yorktown,* *  near 
the  head  of  York  River,  on  its  southern  bank,  and  forthwith  began  to 
fortify  the  ])lace,  as  well  as  Gloucester,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river.  Ills  whole  force  now  amounted  to  about  seven  thousand  men. 


Chap.  CXXXIII. — 1.  What  did  Lord  Cornwallis  do  soon  after  the  battle  at  Guilford 
court-house ? What  of  the  French  fleet?  What  did  La  Fayette  then  do?  2.  What  was 
being  done  by  the  American  and  French  forces?  3.  What  of  Cornwallis?  Ilis  force? 

* Yorktown,  the  capital  of  York  county,  in  Virginia,  is  a small  place,  situated  on  the 
south  side  of  York  River,  about  seven  miles  from  its  entrance  into  the  Chesapeake.  It  is 
seventy  miles  south-east  of  Richmond. 


SURRENDER  OF  LORD  CORNWALLIS. 


277 


4.  Just  at  this  time,  Washington  learned  that  the  French  fleet,  which 
was  expected  ter  unite  with  him  in  the  siege  of  'New  York,  was  about 
to  sail  for  the  mouth  of  Chesapeake  Bay.  This  changed  his  deter- 
mination, though  he  did  not  suffer  his  plan  to  be  known,  and  he  hast- 
ened with  his  forces,  Americans  and  French,  at  once  toward  Yorktown 
to  attack  Cornwallis. 

5.  On  the  30th  of  September,  the  combined  armies  of  the  north  and 
south,  amounting  to  twelve  thousand  men,  were  fairly  encamped  round 
about  Yorktown  and  Gloucester,  while  the  French  fleet,  under  Count 
de  Grasse,  blockaded  the  mouth  of  the  river,  to  prevent  Cornwallis 
from  receiving  any  assistance  from  FTew  York  or  elsewhere,  and  from 
making  his  escape. 

6.  Washington  arrived  in  person  on  the  6th  of  October,  and  the  siege 
was  begun  and  carried  on  with  so  much  vigor  that,  on  the  19th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1781,  Lord  Cornwallis  found  himself  obliged  to  surrender,  with 


4.  What  of  Washington  just  at  this  time?  What  changed  his  determination?  5.  De- 
ecribe  the  situation  of  the  French  and  American  forces  at  Yorktown.  6.  When  did  Lard 
Cornwallis  surrender? 

24 


278  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

his  whole  army  of  more  than  seven  thousand  men — an  event  which 
two  months  before  was  as  unexpected  by  the  Americans  as  it  was  by 
the  British  government. 

7.  At  the  capture  of  Charleston,  eighteen  months  before,  by  the 
British,  much  pains  had  been  taken  to  render  the  manner  of  the  sur- 
render as  humiliating  to  the  Americans  as  possible.  This  was  remem- 
bered  by  the  victorious  army  at  Yorktown,  and  retaliated.  So  humil- 
iating indeed  was  it,  that  Lord  Cornwallis  would  not  appear  in  person 
to  give  up  his  sword,  but  sent^it  by  General  O’Hara. 

8.  So  rapid,  and  at  the  same  time  so  secret,  had  been  the  move- 
ments of  Washington  and  his  army  to  the  south,  that  the  British  did 
not  for  some  time  suspect  his  departure  from  the  neighborhood  of  Hew 
York.  When  they  learned  what  was  going  on,  they  sent  the  traitor 
Arnold  to  Connecticut,  as  we  have  elsewhere  stated,  in  order  to  divert 
Washington  from  his  object.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  also  sailed  with  an 
armament  of  seven  thousand  men  for  the  relief  of  Cornwallis,  but  as  he 
did  not  reach  the  Chesapeake  till  five  days  after  his  surrender,  he  re- 
turned to  Hew  York. 

9.  This  important  event,  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis,  revived  the 
dying  hopes  of  the  country,  and  diffused  universal  joy,  of  which  the 
strongest  public  testimonials  were  everywhere  given.  Hothing  was  to 
be  heard,  for  some  time,  but  the  praises  of  Washington,  La  Fayette, 
Rochambeau,  and  De  Grasse.  The  war  was  now  thought  to  be  chiefly 
over.  The  30th  of  the  December  following  was  appointed  by  Con- 
gress as  a day  of  national  thanksgiving. 

10.  The  British  still  occupied  Hew  York,  Charleston,  Savannah,  and 
a few  other  posts ; but  they  no  longer,  as  before,  overran  Hew  Jersey 
and  the  Carolinas.  Hor  was  there,  in  truth,  much  more  severe  fight- 
ing. The  fall  of  Cornwallis  may  therefore  be  justly  said  to  have  de- 
cided the  war ; and  to  have  decided  it  in  favor  of  the  Americans. 

11.  Among  the  more  considerable  events  of  the  year  1781,  in  addi- 
tion to  a few  which  have  already  been  noticed,  was  an  expedition,  late 
in  the  autumn,  against  the  Cherokee  Indians,  who  had  recently  been 
troublesome.  In  this  expedition,  thirteen  of  their  towns  and  villages 
were  burnt,  and  many  of  the  Indians  were  slain. 

12.  Soon  after  the  capture  of  Cornwallis,  the  northern  division  of 
the  American  army  returned  to  their  old  position  on  the  Hudson,  while 
the  French  troops  and  the  southern  division  of  the  army,  remained  in 


7.  What  of  the  surrender  at  Charleston ? What  of  that  of  Cornwallis?  8 What  can 
you  say  of  the  movements  of  Washington’s  army?  9.  What  demonstrations  of  joy  were 
made  all  over  the  country?  10.  What  places  were  occupied  by  the  British  at  this. time? 
What  decided  the  war?  11.  What  expedition  was  made  in  1781  in  regard  to  the  Indians? 
12.  Where  did  the  Americans  and  French  station  themselves  soon  after  the  capture  ot 
Cornwallis  ? 


TREATY  OF  PEACE. 


279 


and  about  Virginia.  Count  de  Grasse  sailed  with  his  fleet  to  the  West 
Indies,  where  they  spent  the  winter. 

13.  It  should  be  added  here,  that  the  Articles  of  Confederation, 
which  Congress  had  prepared  and  signed,  and  sent  to  the  several  states 
for  adoption,  were  finally  ratified  by  them  all,  this  year.  Till  this  time, 
objections  of  one  kind  or  another  had  been  made,  and  various  amend- 
ments proposed ; but  it  was  at  length  seen  to  be  necessary  to  unite,  in 
order  to  sustain  the  contest  with  Great  Britain,  and  hence  the  com- 
pact of  the  Confederation  was  adopted. 


CHAPTER  CXXXIV. 

Close  of  the  Revolutionary  War. — Treaty  of  Peace, 

1.  After  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  the  war  with  America 

began  to  be  quite  unpopular  in 
England ; but  nothing  decisive 
was  done  to  put  an  end  to  it  till 
March,  1782,  when  the  House  of 
Commons  passed  a resolution 
against  prosecuting,  or  attempt- 
ing to  prosecute,  the  American 
war  any  further.  Still  the  troops 
were  not  withdrawn  immediately. 

2.  The  first  truly  pacific  public 
measure  adopted  by  Great  Britain, 
was  that  of  appointing  Sir  Guy 
Carleton,  one  of  the  best  and 
ablest  of  the  British  generals,  to 
the  command  of  the  forces  in 
America,  and  directing  him  to 
settle  the  differences  between  the 
two  countries.  This  officer  endeavored  to  open  a correspondence  with 
Congress  for  this  purpose  ; but  they  refused  to  do  any  thing  except  in 
concert  with  their  French  allies. 

3.  It  was  not  till  late  in  the  year  1782,  that  any  thing  effectual  was 
accomplished  toward  making  peace  between  the  two  countries.  At 


SIR  GUr  CARLliTOX. 


13.  What  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation  ? 

Chap.  CXXXIV. — 1.  What  was  done  in  England  in  1782  ? 2.  What  did  Sir  Guy  Carle*' 
attempt  to  do  ? 3.  What  commissioners  met  at  Paris  ? 


280 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


length,  however,  by  the  advice  and  request  of  the  French  court,  two 
commissioners  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  Messrs.  Fitzherbert  and 
Oswald,  and  four  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  John  Adams,  Ben- 
jamin Franklin,  John  Jay,  and  Henry  Laurens,  met  at  Paris. 

4.  Here,  after  consulting  long  on  the  subject,  they  formed  what 
were  called  Provisional  Articles  of  Peace.  These  were  signed  on  the 
30th  of  November.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1783,  it  was  agreed  by 
the  commissioners  that  all  hostilities  between  the  two  countries  should 
cease.  The  news  of  this  was  received  in  the  United  States  on  the  24th 
f)f  the  March  following. 

5.  On  the  19th  of  April,  precisely  eight  years  after  the  battle  of 
Lexington,  Washington  issued  a proclamation  of  peace.  There  had 
been  no  blood  shed,  however,  or  almost  none,  for  nearly  eight  months. 
A definitive  treaty  of  peace  was  made  and  signed  at  Paris,  September 
3d,  1783,  by  which  Great  Britain  acknowledged  the  independence  of  the 
United  States. 

6.  This  acknowledgment  had  been  already  made  by  several  of  the 
countries  of  Europe.  Sweden  had  acknowledged  it  February  5th ; Den- 
mark, February  25th ; Spain,  March  24th ; and  Russia  in  July.  Treaties 
of  amiry  and  peace  were  also  made  between  the  United  States  and 
these  several  nations. 

7.  The  United  States  army  was  kept  together  till  the  third  day  of 
November.  On  that  day,  after  suitable  preptotion  had  been  made,  it 
was  disbanded  in  due  form.  Washington,  in  an  affectionate  address, 
first  bade  farewell  to  his  soldiers,  and  subsequently  to  his  officers. 
These  last,  at  parting,  he  took  by  the  hand  separately.  The  formalities 
of  bidding  adieu  took  place  at  Hew  York. 

8.  The  British  do  not  appear  to  have  left  Hew  York  till  the  25th 
of  the  same  month,  though  Charleston  and  Savannah  had  been  evacu- 
ated long  before.  It  may  seem  a little  surprising  that  the  British 
should  remain  at  Hew  York  so  long.  One  reason  for  the  delay  was 
the  want  of  transports  for  carrying  away  their  military  stores  and 
supplies,  as  well  as  for  conducting  to  Hova  Scotia  the  refugees  who 
had  fled  to  them  from  all  parts  of  the  country  for  protection. 

9.  On  the  23d  of  December,  Washington  appeared  in  the  hall  of 
Congress  at  Annapolis,  and  resigned  his  commission.  The  act  of  res- 
ignation was  accompanied  by  a short  but  affecting  speech,  in  which 
after  recounting  briefly  the  events  of  the  war,  he  commended  his  coun> 


4.  What  articles  were  signed  in  November ? What  agreement  was  made?  5.  When 
was  peace  proclaimed?  What  of  the  treaty  signed  at  Paris?  6.  What  countries  had 
acknowledged  the  independence  of  the  United  States  ? 7.  Describe  the  disbanding  of  the 
army.  8.  How  long  did  the  British  stay  in  New  York?  Why  was  their  stay  so  pro' 
traoted  ? 


EFFECTS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION.  281 


try,  and  all  concerned  in  the  administration  of  its  affairs,  to  the  special 
protection  of  Heaven. 

10.  Congress,  in  accepting  his  commission,  replied  to  him  through 
General  Mifflin,  their  president,  in  a manner  expressive  of  their  con- 
fidence in  his  wisdom,  and  their  gratitude  for  his  services.  He  then 
left  them  at  Annapolis,  and  hastened  to  his  family  and  farm  at  Mount 
Vernon,  where  he  hoped  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days. 


CHAPTEE  CXXXV. 

Effects  of  the  American  Revolution, 

1.  Thus  ended  a war  of  eight  years’  duration,  in  which  a hundred 
thousand  lives  were  lost,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  suffered  greatly 
from  wounds,  sickness,  poverty,  or  from  the  losses  or  sufferings  of 
their  friends;  and  in  which,  also,  hundreds  of  millions-of  property  were 
expended.  Let  us  recount  the  losses  and  gains. 

2.  Great  Britain,  of  course,  gained  nothing  by  the  war.  Hers  was 
iDholly  loss.  The  United  States  gained  their  Political  Independence — 
“a  name  and  a place  among  the  nations  of  the  earth.”  This  was, 
indeed,  a great  boon,  but  the  war  brouglit  with  it  a long  train  of  evils. 
Dr.  Ramsay,  of  South  Carolina,  who  wrote  a history  of  the  Revolu- 
tion soon  after  its  occurrence,  says  as  follows : 

3.  On  the  whole,  tlie  literary,  political,  and  military  talents  of  the 
United  States  have  been  improved  by  the  Revolution;  but  their  moral 
character  is  inferior  to  what  it  was.  So  great  is  the  change  for  the 
worse,  that  the  friends  of  good  order  are  loudly  called  upon  to  exert 
their  utmost  abilities  in  extirpating  the  vicious  principles  and  habits 
which  have  taken  deep  root  during  the  convulsion.” 

4.  Voltaire  had  said,  long  before  this  time:  “Put  together  all  the 
vices  of  ages,  and  they  will  not  come  up  to  the  mischiefs  and  enormi- 
ties of  a single  campaign.”  But  if  this  is  true  of  a single  campaign, 
— and  who  will  doubt  it? — how  much  more  is  it  true  of  a series  of 
campaigns  like  that  of  the  American  revolutionary  war  1 

5.  Before  -the  Revolution,  and  especially  before  the  long  and  disas- 
trous Indian  wars,  the  people  of  the  United  States  were  an  industrious, 
sober,  honest,  and  religious  people.  A large  proportion  of  them  were 


9,  10.  Describe  the  resignation  of  Washington’s  commission. 

Chap.  CXXXV- — 1.  What  had  been  the  consequences  of  the  war  with  England  ? 2. 
What  was  the  comparative  gain  of  Great  Britain  and  America  ? Repeat  an  extract  from 
Dr.  Ramsay.  4.  What  remark  does  Voltaire  make  concerning  war?  5.  What  of  the 
United  States  before  the  Revolution? 

24^ 


282  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

engaged  in  husbandry  or  mechanical  pursuits.  There  was  com©ara* 
lively  little  of  useless  speculating  and  downright  idleness. 

6.  An  army  is  always  corrupt,  and  always  corrupts  the  society 
which  holds  it  in  its  bosom.  If  this  effect  was  less  visible  in  the  case 
of  the  American  army,  made  up  as  it  was,  for  the  most  part,  of  its 
own  citizens,  rather  than  hireling  Hessians,  yet  we  must  remember 
that  even  the  American  army  contained  many  useless  and  vicious 
citizens,  and  that  not  all  who  were  virtuous  when  they  enlisted,  were 
so  at  the  period  of  their  discharge. 

7.  The  cause  of  education  suffered  greatly  during  the  war.  Com- 
mon schools,  instead  of  being  fostered  by  the  government,  the  church? 
or  the  family,  as  they  always  had  been  before,  were  not  only  neglected, 
but  in  a great  many  instances  absolutely  overlooked  and  suffered  to 
perish.  The  course  of  instruction  in  our  colleges  was  sometimes  sus- 
pended. Many  a student  became  a soldier. 

8.  But  the  worst  evil  which  befell  the  country  was  the  introduction 
of  irreligion.  The  Revolution  opened  the  door  to  infidelity  in  two 
ways.  First,  by  introducing  foreign  fashions,  habits,  and  modes  of 
feeling,  thinking,  and  acting — a 'practical  infidelity ; and  secondly,  by 
introducing  from  England  and  France,  but  especially  the  latter,  an 
open  opposition  to  Christianity. 

9.  The  atheistical  philosophy  of  God- 
win, Rousseau,  Voltaire,  and  others,  was 
spread  in  the  United  States  during  the 
Revolution  with  a fearful  rapidity.  But 
there  were  infidel  writers  in  our  own 
country.  Ethan  Allen’s  “ Oracles  of 
Reason”  had  already  appeared.  Thomas 
Paine’s  “ Common  Sense,”  written  to  aid 
the  Revolution,  with  much  truth  had  in- 
culcated some  error,  and  paved  the  way 
for  his  other  and  more  objectionable  writ- 
ings. The  effect  of  all  these  evil  influ- 
ences was  long  felt  in  the  country. 


6.  What  is  the  usual  effect  of  an  army  on  society?  7 What  of  education  during  the 
war?  8.  What  was  the  worst  evil  that  befell  the  country?  9.  What  of  atheistical  phi- 
tosophy?  What  of  infidel  writers? 


DEBTS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


283 


CHAPTER  CXXXYI. 

Vehts  of  tli6  United  States  imposed  hy  the  Revolution, — > 
Discontents  of  the  People. — Shays'^  Rehellion. 

1.  The  war  had  involved  the  United  States  in  a debt  of  forty  mil- 
lions of  dollars.  Of  this  sum,  eight  millions  were  borrowed  of  foreign 
powers.  The  rules  of  the  confederation  of  1777  empowered  Congress 
to  carry  on  the  war ; but  they  had  no  power  to  provide  for  its  ex- 
penses. They  could  only  recommend  to  the  several  states  to  raise 
money  for  that  purpose. 

2.  Accordingly,  on  the  30th  of  May,  1781,  Congress  passed  a reso- 
lution requesting  the  several  states  to  furnish  their  proportion  respect- 
ively of  the  eight  millions  of  dollars  of  borrowed  money.  They  also 
appointed  a committee  to  determine  what  proportion  of  the  money 
ought  to  be  paid  by  each  state. 

3.  It  was  proposed  to  the  states  that  a duty  of  four  per  cent,  on  all 
foreign  goods  imported  into  the  United  States  should  be  paid,  and  that 
the  revenue  arising  therefrom  should  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  the 
national  debt,  both  foreign  and  domestic.  The  latter  was  principally 
due  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  army. 

4.  All  the  states,  except  Rhode  Island  and  'New  York,  assented  to 
this  proposal.  But  as  these  two  states  had  a large  share  of  the  public 
trade,  their  refusal  to  contribute  to  pay  the  public  debt  defeated  the 
whole  plan ; and  the  consequence  was,  that  even  the  interest  of  the 
national  debt  remained  unpaid.  The  government  was  exceedingly 
perplexed,  and  knew  not  in  such  a case  what  to  do. 

5.  Certain  measures  of  Great  Britain  added  to  the  embarrassment. 
Instead  of  permitting  a free  trade  with  the  colonies  in  the  "West  In- 
dies, she  shut  her  ports  there  against  our  vessels ; and  Congress,  of 
course,  had  no  power  to  compel  her  to  open  them.  And  what  Congress 
could  not  do,  the  different  states  were  not  disposed  to  attempt,  had 
they  possessed  the  po^er. 

6.  Under  these  embarrassing  circumstances,  it  was  perfectly  natural 
for  those  states  which  felt  desirous  of  discharging  their  debts  in  an 
honorable  manner,  to  make  the  utmost  exertion  to  do  their  part. 
'Massachusetts,  in  particular,  resolved  to  bear  her  portion  of  the  public 
burden,  and  proceeded  to  act  accordingly. 


Chap.  CXXXYI. — 1.  What  debt  did  the  United  States  owe?  Could  Congress  provide 
for  the  expenses  of  the  war?  2.  What  was  done  in  1781  ? 3.  What  was  proposed  to  the 
states?  4.  Which  states  objected  to  the  proposal?  What  effect  had  their  refusal ? 5* 
What  added  to  the  perplexity  of  government?  6.  How  did  the  states  feel? 


284 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


7.  The  country  was  not,  however,  in  a perfectly  settled  state.  There 
were  some  men  in  Massachusetts  who,  though  they  had  been  willing, 
in  1776,  to  go  to  war  with  Great  Britain  rather  than  submit  to  taxa- 
tion without  representation,  were  willing,  in  1786,  to  go  to  war  with 
the  government  rather  than  pay  their  share  of  the  expenses  wdiich  the 
contest  with  Great  Britain  had  occasioned. 

8.  On  the  22d  of  August,  1786,  delegates  from  fifty  towns  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire  met  at  Hatfield,  and  set  on  foot  an  opposition  to 
the  burdens,  as  they  called  them,  which  were  lying  on  the  people. 
The  excitement  soon  spread  to  Worcester,  Middlesex,  Bristol,  and 
Berkshire  counties.  Indeed,  it  did  not  stop  in  Massachusetts — it  ex- 
tended to  Hew  Hampshire. 

9.  In  some  parts  of  Massachusetts,  tumultuous  assemblies,  under  the 
specious  names  of  conventions,  were  assembled,  which  obstructed  the 
proceedings  of  courts  and  other  bodies.  Daniel  Shays,  who  had  been 
a captain  in  the  revolutionary  war,  was  considered  as  the  head  of  the  in- 
surgents— hence  the  movement  took  the  name  ‘‘Shays’  Insurrection.” 

10.  In  August,  no  less  than  fifteen  hundred  of  these  insurgents  as- 
sembled in  Horthampton.  They  took  possession  of  the  court-house, 
and  would  not  allow  the  courts  to  sit.  In  December,  three  hundred 
of  them,  under  Shays  himself,  acted  a similar  farce  in  Springfield.  In 
truth,  the  spirit  of  opposition  to  taxation  was  rife  everywhere  in  the 
states,  and  seemed  to  be  on  the  increase. 

11.  In  December,  1786,  or  early  in  January,  1787,  a body  of  four 
thousand  men  was  raised  to  sustain  the  courts  and  suppress  the  insur- 
rection, and  General  Lincoln — the  same  man  who  had  so  much  dis- 
tinguished himself  in  the  army  of  the  United  States — was  appointed 
to  the  chief  command.  The  troops  were  raised  for  a service  of  only 
thirty  days. 

12.  One  of  the  first  directions  to  the  new  army,  was  to  go  to  Wor- 
cester, and  defend  the  courts  there.  In  this  they  succeeded.  Another 
object  was  to  defend  the  arsenal  at  Springfield.  For  this  last  purpose, 
twelve  hundred  men,  under  General  Shepard,  assembled  at  Springfield ; 
and,  on  the  24th  of  January,  Shays,  with  eleven  hundred  men,  marched 
against  them. 

13.  When  the  insurgents  were  wfithin  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
of  the  arsenal,  word  was  sent  them  not  to  come  any  nearer,  for  if 
they  did  they  would  be  fired  on.  Disregarding  this,  they  advanced 
one  hundred  yards  further,  upon  which  General  Shepard  ordered  his 


7.  What  new  trouble  now  arose  ? 8.  What  was  clone  in  1786?  How  far  did  the  opposi- 
tion extend?  9.  What  of  tumultuous  assemblies?  Who  headed  the  insurrection  ? 10. 

What  was  done  in  August?  In  December?  11.  Who  headed  the  men  raised  to  suppress 
the  insurrection?  12,  What  did  the  army  first  attempt?  What  was  another  object? 


SHAYS’  REBELLION. 


285 


men  to  fire,  but  to  direct  the  first  shot  over  their  heads.  This  only 
quickened  their  approach.  The  artillery  was  then  levelled  against 
them,  and  three  of  their  number  were  killed  and  one  wounded. 

14.  Shays  endeavored  to  rally  his  men,  but  in  vain.  They  retreat- 
ed first  to.  Ludlow,  and  afterward  to  Pelham,  where  they  again  assem- 
bled. General  Lincoln,  hearing  of  this  at  Hadley,  marched  against 
them,  in  the  midst  of  deep  snow,  and  took  one  hundred  and  fifty  of 
them  prisoners,  and  dispersed  the  rest. 

15.  Conditional  pardon  w’as  now  offered  by  the  legislature  of  Mas^ 
sachusetts  to  all  the  rebels ; of  which  seven  hundred  and  ninety  availed 
themselves.  Fourteen  were  tried  and  received  sentence  of  death ; but 
were,  one  after  another,  finally  pardoned.  The  rebellion  was  at  length 
suppressed,  and  the  peace  of  the  commonwealth  restored. 


CHAPTER  CXXXYII. 


Formation  and  Adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States, — Washington  elected  President, 

1.  We  have  seen  that  a confederacy  of  the  states  was  proposed, 

during  the  first 
years  of  the  Kev- 
olutionary  War, 
and  signed  by  the 
thirteen  states,  in 
1781.  But  expe- 
rience at  length 
seemed  to  show 
that,  how  wisely 
soever  it  had  been 
framed  for  a time 
of  war,  it  was  not 
adequate  to  all 
the  wants  of  the 
country  in  a time 

THE  CONVENTION,  pcace. 

2.  In  January^ 

1786,  a proposal  was  made  by  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  for  a con- 


13.  Describe  the  advance  of  the  insurgents.  Their  reception.  14.  What  was  the  fate  oJ 
Shays’  men  ? 15.  What  was  the  fate  of  the  rebels  ? 

Chap.  CXXXVII. — 1.  What  can  you  say  of  the  confederacy  signed  in  1781  ? 


286 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


vention  of  commissioners  from  the  several  states,  whose  duty  it  should 
be  to  take  into  consideration  the  trade  and  commerce  of  the  country, 
and  either  devise  some  plan  for  their  regulation,  or  delegate  to  Con- 
gress the  power  to  legislate  upon  it ; — in  other  words,  to  revise  the 
federal  system. 

3.  Provision  was  made  for  holding  such  a convention  in  Annapolis 
in  the  following  September ; but  as  there  were  delegates  present  at 
that  time  from  only  six  of  the  states,  the  subject  was  deferred  to  the 
following  May.  In  the  mean  time,  new  efforts  were  made  to  procure 
a general  attendance  at  that  meeting. 

4.  In  May,  1787,  commissioners  from  all  the  states  but  Ehode  Island 
met  at  Philadelphia,  and  having  chosen  General  Washington,  who  was 
one  of  the  delegates  from  Virginia,  their  president,  they  proceeded  to 
the  important  business  assigned  them.  Their  whole  number  was  fifty- 
five. 

5.  The  question  which  first  engaged  their  attention  was,  whether 
to  revise  the  old  federal  system,  or  form  a new  one.  The  object  for 
which  the  convention  had  been  originally  appointed,  was  that  of  mere 
revision.  And  yet  the  defects  of  the  old  system  were  such  that  it  was 
finally  determined  by  the  majority  to  form  a new  system. 

6.  The  next  thing  was,  to  agree  upon  the  principles  which  should 
form  the  basis  of  the  new  confederation.  Here,  in  general,  there  was 
much  harmony  of  opinion  at  first.  But  when  they  came  to  the  prac- 
tical application  of  those  principles,  there  was  more  of  disagreement. 
One  point,  in  particular,  upon  which  they  could  not  soon  agree,  was 
the  formation  of  a national  legislature. 

7.  It  was  a long  time  before  all  the  members  of  the  convention  were 
willing  to  have  the  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives  be  in 
proportion  to  the  whole  number  of  free  citizens  in  the  state  and  three- 
fifths  of  the  others.  And  as  to  the  Senate,*  there  was  still  greater  dif- 
ficulty. The  small  states  wished  to  be  on  an  equal  footing  with  the 
larger  ones ; to  which  the  latter  were,  of  course,  strongly  opposed. 

8.  When  this  last  point  had  been  agitated  for  a long  time,  and  the 
convention  seemed  about  to  adjourn  without  accomplishing  its  object, 
Dr.  Franklin,  a member  from  Pennsylvania,  then  over  eighty  years  of 
age,  in  a speech  which  abounded  in  good  sense,  and  was  not  wanting 
in  eloquence,  proposed  daily  morning  prayer. 

9.  This  hint  being  well  received,  prayer  was  henceforth  oflfered, 
every  day,  before  proceeding  to  business.  ■ From  this  time,  there  was 


2.  What  was  to  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioners  ? 3.  What  of  a convention  at  Annapo- 
lis? 4.  What  was  done  in  May,  1787?  How  many  commissioners  were  there?  5.  What 
first  occupied  them  ? 6.  What  was  the  next  consideration  ? Upon  what  point  did  they 
disagree?  7.  What  diflleulties  arose  in  the  states  ? 8.  What  w.as  proposed  by  Dr.  FrankUn? 


WASHINGTON  ELECTED  PRESIDENT. 


28T 


more  and  more  of  harmony  in  their  deliberations,  till  at  length  a con- 
stitution was  matured  and  signed  by  the  members,  and  presented  to 
Congress,  wlio  forthwith  presented  it  to  the  several  states,  for  them 
to  consider  and  ratify. 

10.  It  had  been  resolved  by  the  convention,  that  state  conventions 
should  be  called  to  discuss  the  merits  of  the  new  constitution,  and  to 
accept  or  reject  it,  as  might  seem  to  them  best;  and  that  Congress 
should  carry  it  into  effect  as  soon  as  it  should  be  signed  or  ratified  by 
nine  of  the  states. 

11.  For  a time  it  was  quite  doubtful  whether  it  would  ever  go  into 
operation.  At  length,  however,  it  was  ratified  by  eleven  of  the  states  ; 
North  Carolina  and  Ehode  Island  alone,  of  the  thirteen,  refusing  to 
accept  it.  They  finally  consented  to  receive  it — the  former  in  1789. 
the  latter  in  1790. 

12.  All  classes  of  people,  whether  federalists  or  not — for  by  this 
name  the  friends  of  the  federal  government  were  called — now  turned 
their  eyes  toward  Washington  as  their  first  president.  On  opening 
the  votes  for  chief  magistrate  of  the  United  States,  at  New  York,  March 
3d,  1789,  it  was  found  that  George  Washington  was  unanimously  elect- 
ed ; and  that  John  Adams  was  chosen  vice-president. 


9,  What  contributed  to  produce  harmony  ? What  was  at  length  formed  ? 10.  What 

was  resolved  upon  by  the  convention  ? 11.  By  how  many  states  was  it  ratified  ? What 
states  finally  received  it?  12.  On  whom  did  all  fix  as  president  ? When  were  the  votes 
taken?  Who  was  chosen  president?  Who  vice-president  ? 


28S 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


WASHINGTON  AS  PRESIDENT. 


CHAPTER  CXXXVIII. 

Bfyginning  of  the  New  Government  under  the  present  Con  - 
stitution,— Washington’s  Administration,  from  March 
4th,  1789,  TO  March  4th,  1797. — Proceedings  of  the 
first  Congress, 

1.  We  have  now  reached  the  period  when  the  'present  Constitution 
of  the  United  States  went  into  operation.  Washington  was  the  first 
president,  and  began  his  administration  in  1789 ; from  that  time  to  this, 
a period  of  seventy-seven  years,  we  have  had  seventeen  presidents. 
Washington  was  inducted  into  his  new  office  April  30th,  1789,  in  the 
presence  of  the  first  Congress  of  the  United  States  which  convened 
under  the  new  constitution.  As  soon  as  the  inaug.uration  ceremonies 
were  over,  he  entered  the  Senate  chamber  and  delivered  his  first  speech. 
This  speech,  which  has  been  much  commended,  was  in  nothing  more 


Chap.  CXXXVIII. — 1.  Who  was  the  first  American  president?  When  did  Wash- 
mgton's  first  administration  begin  ? How  long  since  the  government  began  under  the 
constitution?  How  many  presidents  since  Washington ? Describe  the  inauguration  of 
Washington.  For  what  was  his  speech  remarkable?  How  did  the  ceremony  close  ? 


FIRST  CONGRESS. 


289 


remarkable  than  its  frequent  reference  to  a Supreme  Being  as  the 
Ruler  of  the  universe,  and  Controller  of  human  actions  and  human 
destiny,  whether  individual  or  national.  Then,  “suiting  the  action 
to  the  word,”  he  and  the  members  of  both  houses  of  Congress  attend- 
ed divine  service  almost  immediately  afterward. 

2.  Never  was  the  business  of  a legislative  body  more  pressing  or 
more  important  than  that  of  the  first  Congress  of  the  United  States. 
Four  prominent  measures  could  not  be  delayed.  There  must  be  a 
revenue ; the  various  departments  of  government  must  be  arranged 
and  filled  ; a judiciary  department  and  its  officers  were  needed  ; and 
tlie  public  credit  was,  if  possible,  to  be  maintained. 

3.  To  create  a revenue  and  pay  the  public  debt,  foreign  and  domes- 
tic, and  support  the  present  government,  it  was  decided  that  duties 
should  be  laid  on  imported  goods  and  merchandise,  and  on  the  tonnage 
of  vessels.  A Department  of  State,  a Treasury  Department  and  a War 
Department  were  created,  and  Thomas  Jefferson,  Alexander  Hamilton, 
and  Henry  Knox  placed  at  their  heads  respectively. 

4.  The  power  of  removal  from  office,  in  the  executive  departments, 
occasioned  a good  deal  of  discussion ; but  it  was  at  length  decided  that 
it  should  be  left  with  the  president  alone.  Congress  adjourned  Sep- 
tember 29th ; but  not  till  they  had  requested  the  president  to  recom- 
mend to  the  people  a day  of  public  thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

5.  During  the  recess  of  Congress,  President  Washington  made  a 
tour  through  New  England  as  far  as  Portsmouth,  in  New  Hampshire, 
with  a view  to  observe  tlie  character,  habits,  etc.,  of  the  people.  He 
was  received  everywhere  with  those  marks  of  attention  which  indi- 
cated an  entire  confidence  in  his  administration. 

6.  The  second  session  of  the  first  Congress  commenced  January  8th, 
1790.  From  the  report  of  Mr.  Hamilton,  secretary  of  the  treasury,  it 
was  found  that  the  United  States  debt  was  fifty-four  million  dollars, 
for  the  payment  of  all  which  he  recommended  adequate  provision. 

7.  No  objection  was  felt  in  Congress,  to  paying  the  foreign  debt 
which  had  been  incui;red,  now  amounting,  including  interest,  to  eleven 
million  five  hundred  thousand  dollars ; but  the  question  of  the  full 
assumption,  by  Congress,  of  all  the  rest  of  the  debts,  including  those 
contracted  by  the  states,  caused  a long  and  anxious  debate. 

8.  Congress,  however,  by  a small  majority,  finally  concluded  to  pay 
the  whole  debt.  In  order  to  do  this,  the  money  derived  from  the  sale 


2.  What  four  measures  were  deemed  necessary  to  be  taken?  8.  What  was  decided 
apon?  What  departments  were  created,  and  who  were  placed  at  the  head  ? 4.  What  dis 
•cussion  arose?  When  did  Congress  adjourn?  5.  What  journey  d d Washington  take? 
6.  What  debt  had  the  United  States  incurred?  7,  What  caused  a long  debate?  8.  Upon 
what  did  Congress  conclude  ? What  sum  did  they  decide  to  borrow  ? 


290 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


of  western  lands  was  to  be  applied,  together  with  what  remained  of  the 
revenue  after  paying  the  current  expenses  of  the  government.  It  was 
also  decided  to  borrow,  at  five  per  cent,  interest,  two  millions  of  dollars. 

9.  During  the  session,  the  state  of  Vermont,  by  consent  of  both 
houses  of  Congress,  was  received  into  the  Union,  which  although  it 
had  aided  actively  in  the  Kevoli>tionary  War,  had  not  joined  the  con- 
federation. The  seat  of  general  government  was  fixed  for  ten  years  at 
Philadelphia,  after  which — that  is,  in  the  year  1800 — it  was  to  be  re- 
moved to  Washington.  A tax  was  laid,  after  a long  and  angry  debate, 
on  domestic  spirits.  A l^ational  Bank  was  also  established,  with  a 
capital  of  ter  millions  of  dollars,  and  a charter  was  granted,  to  extend 
to  May,  1811. 


CHAPTEE  CXXXIX. 


Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — Rise  of  Par- 
ties,— Wars  with  the  Indians, 

1.  The  discussion  of  so  many  great  and  important  subjects  at  the 


two  sessions  of  the  first  Congress 
had  already  formed  a line  of  de- 
marcation between  the  two  great 
political  parties,  whose  frequent 
subsequent  conflicts  for  power 
have  more  than  once  shaken  the 
very  confederacy  itself  to  its  cen- 
tre. 


2.  But  while.these  things  were 
going  on  at  Philadelphia,  a war 
was  preparing  with  the  Indians 
of  the  north-west.  By  an  ordi- 
nance of  Congress,  in  1787,  a terri- 
torial government  had  been  form- 
ed north-west  of  the  river  Ohio ; 
and,  by  another  ordinance,  power 
had  been  given  to  commissioners 


GENERAL  ST.  CLAIR. 


to  treat  with  the  Indians.  In  spite,  however,  of  governments  and 
treaties,  an  Indian  war  broke  out  in  1790. 


9.  When  was  Yermont  received  into  the  Union  ? Where  was  the  seat  of  government 
to  be  at  first?  When  was,  it  to  be  removed  to  Washington?  What  tax  was  laid  ? What 
of  a bank  ? \ 

Chap  CXXXIX. — 1.  WhHt  distinction  in  parties  grew  out  of  the  debates  in  Congress  ? 
2.  What  war  was  in  preparation  ? What  had  been  ordered  by  Congress  ? 


GENERAL  ST.  CLAIR. 


291 


*S.  On  the  30th  of  September,  General  Harmar,  with  fourteen  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men,  three-fourths  of  whom  were  Pennsylvania  and 
Kentucky  militia,  marched  against  the  Indians  at  their  villages,  on  the 
Sci-o'-to  and  Mi-a'-mi  Rivers.  The  Indians,  having  set  fire  to  their 
huts  with  their  own  hands,  fied  to  the  woods. 

4.  After  burning  and  plundering  and  some  skirmishing,  for  several 
days,  a general  and  decisive  battle  was  fought  near  the  spot  where 
Chillicothe  now  stands,  in  which  the  army  of  the  United  States  was 
defeated,  with  the  loss  of  nearly  two  hundred  men.  The  loss  of  the 
Indians,  however,  was  considerable.  They  had  lost  also,  during  the 
whole  time,  about  three  hundred  huts  and  wig^^^ams. 

5.  The  success  of  the  United  States  was  greater  this  year,  in  making 
treaties  with  the  Indians,  than  in  fighting  them.  By  the  persevering 
exertions  of  General  Knox,  the  secretary  of  war,  a treaty  was  made 
with  the  Creek  Indians,  in  which  a large  territory,  hitherto  claimed 
by  that  tribe,  was  ceded  to  Georgia. 

6.  After  the  failure  of  the  expedition  under  General  Harmar,  Gen- 
eral St.  Clair  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  north-western 
army,  and  additional  troops  were  raised.  He  was  also  appointed  gov- 
ernor of  the  Korth-Western  Territory.  He  was  instructed  to  carry  on 
the  war  against  the  Indians,  by  destroying  their  villages  about  the 
Miami,  and  driving  them  wholly  away  from  the  Ohio  country. 

7.  In  the  spring  of  1791,  he  took  the  field  with  about  fifteen  hun- 
dred men.  The  Indians  in  that  region  had,  as  it  was  supposed,  about 
an  equal  number  of  warriors.  Generals  Wilkinson  and  Scott  were 
sent  out  with  eight  hundred  and  fifty  men,  but  did  not  effect  much. 
Early  in  NTovember,  General  St.  Clair  himself  went  against  them  with 
his  whole  force. 

8.  On  the  4th  of  November,  a great  battle  was  fought  on  the  Miami, 
in  which  the  army  of  St.  Clair  was  entirely  defeated,  with  the  loss  of 
more  than  six  hundred  men — nearly  half  his  army.  This  was  the  most 
signally  destructive  battle  which  had  been  fought  with  the  Indians 
since  the  memorable  defeat  of  Braddock. 

9.  But,  instead  of  relinquishing  the  war,  on  account  of  a few  disas- 
ters, Congress,  after  a good  deal  of  discussion  and  much  opposition  to 
the  measure,  passed  a bill  to  raise  several  new  regiments  of  troops,  to 
be  employed  in  the  service,  if  necessary,  three  years. 

10.  During  the  year  1791,  Washington  made  a tour  of  observation 
through  the  Southern  states,  as  he  had  done  through  the  Northern, 


3.  Who  marched  against  the  Indians  ? 4.  Where  was  a battle  fought  ? What  of  the 

Indian  loss?  5.  What  was  done  by  General  Knox?  6.  What  of  General  St.Clair?  7.  Whaf 
was  done  in  1791  ? 8.  What  of  the  battle  on  the  Miami  ? 9.  What  did  Congress  do  in  re- 
gard the  Indian  war  ? 


292 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


two  years  before,  and  for  similar  purposes.  The  day,  and  in  many 
instances  the  hour,  of  his  appearance  at  each  place,  was  fixed  long 
before  his  arrival,  from  which,  except  in  a single  instance,  he  never  de- 
viated. He  was  received  everywhere  with  demonstrations  of  great  joy. 


BOONE. 


CHAPTEE  CXL. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — Kentucky 
Admitted  to  the  Union. 

1.  During  the  year  1792,  Kentucky  was  admitted  to  the  Union,  as 
the  fifteenth  grand  pillar  of  the  Union — Vermont  having  made  the 
fourteenth.  It  may  be  useful  to  trace  the  history  of  this  state  from 
the  earliest  known  periods,  as  well  as  the  character  of  the  individual 
who  began  its  settlement. 


10.  Describe  Washington’s  tour  in  1791. 

Chap.  CXL. — 1.  Wlien  was  Kentucky  made  a state? 


KENTUCKY  ADMITTED  TO  THE  UNION.  293 


2.  The  Eevolutionary  War,  though  it  retarded  the  progress  of  the 
settlements  in  the  West,  did  not  wholly  prevent  emigration  thither.  In 
1773,  no  less  than  four  hundred  families  passed  down  the  Ohio  River 
in  six  weeks,  most  of  whom  settled  at  or  near  Katchez.  The  same 
year  three  hundred  families  of  Germans  emigrated  from  Maine  to  the 
south-western  parts  of  South  Carolina. 

3.  But  the  most  remarkable  of  all  the  attempts  to  people  the  western 
country  at  this  period  was  made  by  Colonel  Daniel  Boone,  of  North 
Carolina.  He  was  a great  hunter,  and  had  rambled  in  the  forests  of 
the  “Mighty  West”  several  years  before  he  ventured,  in  defiance  of 
wild  beasts  and  still  wilder  men,  to  take  up  his  residence  there. 

4.  He  first  left  home,  in  company  with  six  other  adventurers,  in 
1769.  Kentucky  was  found  to  be  a fine  place  for  hunting  the  buflPalo. 
At  length,  he  and  a companion  by  the  name  of  Stuart  were  taken 
prisoners  by  the  Indians.  They  escaped  from  them  and  found  their 
way  back  to  their  camp,  but  it  had  been  plundered,  and  the  rest  of  the 
company  were  dispersed. 

5.  Soon  after  this,  his  brother  and  another  man  joined  him,  so  that 
the  company  was  again  increased  to  four.  Stuart  was  soon  after 
killed  by  the  Indians,  and  the  other  man  by  wolves,  so  that  Boone  and 
his  brother  alone  remained.  They,  however,  built  themselves  a cottage 
with  poles  and  bark,  and  wintered  there. 

6.  In  May,  1770,  the  brother  of  Boone  returned  to  North  Carolina, 
in  order  to  procure  a recruit  of  horses  and  ammunition,  leaving  him 
entirely  alone,  and,  as  he  himself  says,  “without  bread,  salt,  or  sugar, 
or  even  a horse  or  a dog.”  This  winter,  in  one  of  his  rambles,  he 
narrowly  escaped  the  savages.  But  he  was  one  of  those  men  who, 
like  Washington,  seemed  reserved  for  special  purposes. 

7.  His  brother  returned  to  him  late  in  July,  and  they  spent  the  rest 
of  the  year  there,  and  the  following  winter.  During  this  time,  beside 
hunting,  they  discovered  and  gave  name  to  the  principal  riv^ers  of  the 
country.  The  whole  region  seemed  to  them  a paradise,  and  in  March, 
1771,  they  returned  home  to  bring  their  families  there. 

8.  In  September,  1773,  they  set  out  for  Kentucky.  Five  other  fam- 
ilies had  been  induced,  by  their  representations,  to  join  them.  Forty 
men  also  joined  them  at  Powell’s  Valley,  on  the  road.  Soon  after  this, 
they  were  attacked  by  the  Indians,  and  six  of  the  party  slain,  among 
whom  was  Boone’s  eldest  son.  Their  cattle  also  were  scattered. 

9.  They  retreated  forty  miles  to  a settlement  on  Clinch  River,  where 


2.  Describe  the  emigration  of  the  year  1TT3.  3.  What  of  Daniel  Boone  ? 4,  5.  Describe 

his  adventures  in  1769.  6.  What  took  place  in  May,  1770?  7.  What  happened  after  the 

return  of  his  brother?  What  did  he  and  his  brother  do  in  1771  ? 8.  What  happened  in 
September  ? What  was  done  by  the  Indians  ? 

25* 


294 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


they  left  their  families.  From  this  time  forth,  for  nearly  two  years, 
Boone  was  employed  in  surveying  the  country  and  in  building  roads 
and  forts.  Among  the  rest,  they  built  a fort  at  a place  which  they 
called  Boonesborough.  He  removed  his  family  to  the  fort  in  June, 
1775,  about  the  time  of  the  battle  at  Lexington. 

10.  This  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  permanent  settlement  in 
that  state — at  that  time  a part  of  Virginia — though  two  others  were 
made  not  far  from  the  same  time.  The  wife  and  daughter  of  Colonel 
Boone  were,  as  he  says,  the  first  white  women  that  ever  stood  upon 
the  banks  of  Kentucky  Eiver.” 

11.  But  this  settlement  was  not  effected  without  great  peril.  Several 
times  did  the  Indians  attack  Boone’s  party  during  the  journey  from 
Clinch  River  to  Boonesborough.  Five  of  the  company  were  killed,  and 
as  many  wounded.  Others  were  slain  after  their  arrival.  The  daughter 
of  Boone  was  even  carried  off  by  the  savages,  in  1776  ; but  her  father 
recovered  her. 

12.  The  whole  life  of  this  father  of  Kentucky  is  eventful  and  in- 
teresting ; we  can  only  add  here,  that  he  remained  in  his  favorite 
state,  though  often  much  exposed  and  once  taken  a prisoner,  till  1798, 
when  he  removed,  with  a large  train  of  relatives  and  friends,  to 
Missouri,  where  he  spent  his  days  in  hunting  and  trapping.  He  died 
in  1822,  aged  eighty-five  years. 


CHAPTEE  CXLI. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Formation 
of  various  Societies  in  the  United  States, 

1.  The  year  1792  is  distinguished  for  the  formation  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Agricultural  Society  ; an  association  which,  by  itself  and  its 
auxiliaries,  has,  in  the  progress  of  half  a century,  done  much  for  the 
advancement,  in  the  United  States,  of  that  which  constitutes  the  real 
wealth  and  happiness  and  greatness  of  a nation. 

2.  Up  to  this  period,  societies  for  the  promotion  of  improvement, 
physical  or  moral,  had  been  little  known  among  us.  But  an  interval 
of  rest  from  war  had  led  many  at  length  to  turn  their  thoughts  to 
mechanics,  manufactures,  agriculture,  education,  morals,  and  religion. 


9.  How  was  Boone  employed  for  two  years?  To  what  place  did  he  remove  his  family? 
10.  What  was  the  first  permanent  settlement  in  Kentucky?  What  of' the  wife  and 
daughter  of  Boone  ? 11.  How  were  the  settlers  annoyed  by  the  Indians  ? 12.  How  long 

did  Boone  remain  in  Kentucky?  Where  did  he  then  go?  When  did  he  die  ? 

Chap.  CXLI.— 1.  For  what  is  the  year  1792  distinguished?  2.  What  had  been  done 
during  the  interval  of  rest  from  war  ? 


SOCIETIES  IN  THE  UNITED  STATEb. 


295 


3.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  rearing  of  mulberry-trees  and 
silk-worrns  had  succeeded  so  far,  in  Connecticut,  that  the  Rev.  Jason 
Atwater,  a minister  in  Branford,  had  a silk  gown  made  for  him  this 
year,  at  his  own  home.  This  was  the  first  clergyman’s  silk  gown  made 
in  America.  Silk  stockings  had  been  fabricated  a little  before,  and 
also  silk  handkerchiefs. 

4.  One  of  the  first  and  most  curious  societies  ever  formed  in  this 
country  was  the  Boston  Society  for  Encouraging  Industry  and  Em- 
ploying the  Poor.  It  was  established  about  the  year  1750,  though  it 
continued  but  a few  years.  A large  and  handsome  brick  building  was 
erected  in  Boston,  in  connection  with  this  society,  for  the  linen  manu- 
facture, the  expense  of  which  was  paid  by  a tax  on  carriages  and 
other  articles  of  luxury, 

5.  This  society  held  its  first  anniversary  in  1753,  when  a public  dis- 
course was  delivered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Cooper.  In  the  afternoon,  about  three 
hundred  young  female  spinsters,  decently  dressed,  appeared  on  the  com- 
mon, at  their  spinning-wheels.  The  wheels  were  placed  regularly  in 
three  rows,  of  one  hundred  each,  and  a female  was  seated  at  each  wheel. 

6.  The  weavers,  also,  of  the  city  and  its  vicinity,  appeared  on  the 
Common,  neatly  dressed  in  garments  of  their  own  weaving.  One  of 
them,  with  his  loom,  was  carried  on  the  shoulders  of  the  people,  at- 
tended by  music ; the  music  of  the  shuttle  continuing  along  with  the 
rest.  The  crowd  that  attended  to  witness  these  novel  but  interesting 
spectacles  was  immense. 

7.  An  association  of  tradesmen  and  manufacturers  of  the  town  of 
Boston  was  formed*  in  1785.'  The  Boston  Mechanics’  Association  was 
formed  in  1795.  The  Delaware  Society  for  Promoting  American  Manu- 
factures was  instituted  at  Wilmington  in  1817;  and  the  Scotch  loom 
came  into  Rhode  Island  the  same  year.  The  Maryland  Economical 
Association  was  formed  at  Baltimore  in  1819. 

8.  The  American  Bible  Society  was  formed  at  Hew  York  in  1816. 
Delegates  were  present  from  thirty-two  societies.  It  is,  moreover,  a 
curious  fact,  that,  in  view  of  the  want  of  Bibles  in  the  country.  Con- 
gress, in  1777,  had  ordered  twenty  thousand  Bibles  to  be  imported. 

9.  But  there  had  been  societies  for  other  purposes,  in  considerable 
numbers,  formed  long  before  the  year  1792 — the  period  at  which  we 
jare  now  arrived.  There  was  a society  for  propagating  the  gospel  in 
Hew  England,  incorporated  in  1649 — for  propagating  the  gospel  among 
the  Indians  in  Hew  England  and  elsewhere,  in  1661,  and  the  Society 
for  propagating  Christian  knowledge  among  the  Indians,  in  1762. 

8.  What  of  the  culture  of  silk  in  Connecticut?  4.  What  society  was  formed  in  1750? 
What  building  was  erected?  5 What  was  done  in  1753?  Describe  the  scene  on  Boston 
Common,  6.  Describe  the  meeting  of  the  weavers.  7.  What  other  associations  were 
formed  ? 8.  What  of  Bible  societies  ? 9.  What  societies  were  there  prior  to  1792  ? 


296 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


10.  In  more  modern  times,  associations  or  societies  have  become 
numerous  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  including  those  devoted  to 
agriculture  and  other  domestic  arts;  to  religion,  to  charities  of  many 
kinds,  to  literature,  science,  the  fine  arts,  etc.  These  societies  have 
been  the  means  of  promoting,  in  many  ways,  the  peace,  improvement, 
and  happiness  of  the  people. 


CHAPTEE  CXLII. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — His  Second 
Election, — The  French  Eevolntion, — M,  Geneth  Opera- 
tions. — Jefferson^ s Resignation  as  Secretary  of  State. 

1.  Soon  after  the  opening  of  Congress  in  1792,  an  attempt  was  m^de 
to  show  that  Hamilton,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury,  was  a dangerous 
man,  aiming  at  the  destruction  of  the  liberties  and  rights  of  his  coun- 
try ; and  hints  to  the  same  effect  were  even  thrown  out  against  Presi- 
dent Washington  himself. 

2.  But,  notwithstanding  all  these  insinuations,  in  March,  1793,  Wash- 
ington was  declared  unanimously  re-elected  to  the  presidency,  and  Mr. 
Adams  was  again  chosen  vice-president.  Washington  had  at  first  de- 
cided not  to  be  again  a candidate  for  this  high  office,  but  had  at  length 
yielded  his  own  wishes  to  those  of  the  people. 

3.  A treaty  was  this  year  made  with  the  Indians  on  the  Wabash, 
and  the  promise  of  a conference,  the  next  spring,  was  obtained  of  sev- 
eral of  the  other  tribes.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  the  business  of 
enlisting  soldiers  for  an  exigency,  which  might,  after  all,  require  them, 
was  perseveringly  though  slowly  carried  on,  and  the  troops  already  in 
the  service  were  kept  in  a proper  state  of  discipline, 

4.  Early  in  1793,  news  reached  America  of  a Declaration  of  War  by 
France  against  England,  Spain,  and  Holland,  and  caused  much  excite- 
ment. From  the  nature  of  the  relation  which  had  subsisted  between 
the  United  States  and  France  during  the  late  war,  a majority  of  the 
people  sympathized  strongly  with  the  French,  and  were  as  strongly 
opposed  to  Great  Britain. 

5.  The  question  therefore  arose,  whether  the  government  of  the 
United  States  should  espouse  the  cause  of  either  party  in  the  contest. 
This  question  was  finally  decided  by  Washington  and  his  council  in 


10.  What  of  societies  in  more  modern  times  ? 

Chap.  CXLII. — 1.  What  attempts  were  made  by  some  invidious  persons  about  1792? 
2.  "When  was  Washington  re-elected  president?  3.  What  treaty  was  made  this  year, 
1793?  What  was  done  in  respect  to  soldiers?  4.  What  news  in  1793?  How  were  the 
Americans  disposed  ? 5.  What  question  arose  ? What  was  issued  April  22d  ? 


THE  FRENCH  REVOLUTION. 


29T 


the  negative.  Accordingly,  on  the  22d  of  April,  President  Washington 
issued  a proclamation  enjoining  entire  neutrality  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States. 

6.  The  Revolution  in  France,  which  resulted  in  the  execution  of  the 
king,  Louis  XVI.,  and  changed  the  government  from  a Monarchy  to  a 
Republic,  had  commenced  about  the  year  1789.  It  seems  to  have  been 
brought  on,  or  at  least  hastened,  by  the  Revolution  in  the  United  States. 
The  new  republic  now  recalled  the  French  minister  in  the  United 
States,  who  had  been  appointed  under  the  king,  and  sent  over  M. 
Genet  in  his  stead. 

7.  The  principal  object  for  which  M.  Genet  was  sent  over  was,  to 
persuade  the  United  States  to  aid  France  in  the  pending  war.  He 
landed  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and,  being  kindly  received  by  the 
constituted  authorities  there,  both  on  account  of  the  dignity  of  his 
office  and  the  gratitude  which  was  felt  toward  the  French  nation,  he 
boldly  proceeded  to  the  performance  of  various  unauthorized,  and  in- 
deed wholly  illegal,  acts. 

8.  He  did  not  hesitate  to  enlist  men,  and  to  arm  and  fit  out  privateers, 
to  cruise  and  commit  hostilities  against  nations  with  whom  the  United 
States  were  at  peace.  When  any  captures  were  made,  he  allowed  the 
French  consul  at  Charleston  to  hold  courts  of  admiralty  on  them,  and 
to  try  and  condemn  them,  and  authorize  their  sale. 

9.  All  this  was  done,  too,  by  M.  Genet  before  the  American  gov- 

ernment had  recognized  him  as  a minister.  He  had  presumed  on  a 
disposition  to  aid  France  without  regard  to  consequences.  Finding 
that  the  Americans  disapproved  of  his  conduct,  he  endeavored — partly, 
no  doubt,  in  self-defence — to  excite  them  to  opposition  against  their 
own  government.  * 

10.  When  Congress  met,  in  1793,  they  approved  of  Washington’s 
proclamation,  as  well  as  of  all  his  conduct  in  relation  to  France.  They 
also  encouraged  the  president  and  his  cabinet  to  urge  the  French  gov- 
ernment to  recall  M.  Genet,  and  appoint  a successor.  M.  Genet  was 
therefore  recalled,  and  M.  Fauchet  appointed  in  his  stead. 

11.  The  last  important  event  of  the  year  1793  was  the  resignation 
of  Mr.  Jefierson,  secretary  of  state,  and  the  appointment  of  Edmund 
Randolph,  of  Virginia,  as  his  successor.  Mr.  Randolph  had  been  for 
some  time  attorney -general  of  the  United  States,  and  had  sustained  the 
office  with  singular  ability. 


6.  What  of  the  French  Revolution  ? What  of  the  new  republic  ? 7.  Why  was  M. 
Genet  sent  to  America ? 8.  What  did  he  proceed  to  do?  9.  What  did  he  do  on  the 
disapproval  of  the  Americans  ? 10.  What  was  done  by  Congress  in  1793  ? Who  was  sent 
as  French  minister  to  the  United  States  in  place  of  M.  Genet?  11.  Who  succeeded  Jef- 
ferson as  secretary  of  state  ? What  of  Mr.  Randolph  ? 

13* 


298 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


12.  It  is  necessary  to  state  here  that  from  the  beginning  of  the  new 
Constitution,  some  persons  had  been  opposed  to  it.  Among  them  was 
Mr.  Jefferson,  who  afterward  became  the  head  of  EepuUicanyoxty^ 
which  espoused  the  cause  of  France,  and  expressed  great  hostility 
to  Great  Britain,  during  the  period  to  which  our  history  now  refers. 
The  supporters  of  the  Constitution,  or  Federal  government,  among 
whom  were  Washington  and  Hamilton,  were  called  Federalists,  The 
conflicts  between  the  two  parties  soon  shook  the  country  to  its  foun- 
dation. 


CHAPTER  CXLIII. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — Difficulties 
with  Great  Britain, 

1.  Feaes  began  to  be  entertained,  in  1794,  of  another  war  with 

Great  Britain.  The  govern- 
ment of  that  country  had  issued 
an  order  in  January,  1793,  for- 
bidding the  exportation  of  corn 
to  France,  and  authorizing  the 
seizure  of  neutral  vessels  found 
carrying  it  there.  As  a conse- 
quence, many  American  vessels 
had  been  captured. 

2.  Additional  instructions 
had  also  been  given,  in  the 
INovember  following,  to  British 
ships  of  war  and  privateers,  to 
take  all  such  vessels  as  were 
carrying  provisions  or  other 
supplies  to  France  or  her  col- 
onies. Great  Britain,  moreover 
had  failed  to  deliver  up  to  the 
United  States  the  Western  posts,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the 
treaty  of  1783. 

3.  In  view  of  these  difficulties  between  the  two  countries,  and  the 
uncertainty  to  what  they  might  lead.  Congress,  in  1794,  passed  bills 
for  laying  an  embargo  upon  ships  in  our  ports  for  thirty  days,  for  in- 
creasing the  standing  army,  and  for  organizing  the  militia  and  erecting 


12.  What  of  Mr.  Jefferson  ? What  of  the  two  parties,  Republicans  and  Federalists? 
Chap.  CXLIII. — 1.  What  order  had  government  issued  in  1793?  2.  What  was  done 
in  November?  How  had  Great  Britain  failed  to  fulfil  her  treaty?  What  bills  were 
passed  in  1794?  To  what  office  was  Mr.  Jay  appointed? 


THE  WHISKEY  INSURRECTION. 


299 


fortifications.  At  the  same  time  that  these  precautionary  measures 
were  taken,  John  Jay,  of  NTew  York,  who  had  been  greatly  distin- 
guished by  his  wisdom  and  patriotism  during  the  Revolution,  was  ap- 
pointed an  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  court  of  Great  Britain. 

4.  Mr.  Jay  succeeded,  during  this  and  the  following  year,  in  making 
a treaty  for  the  settlement  of  the  difiiculties  between  the  two  coun- 
tries. This,  while  it  met  the  approbation  of  a majority  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  only  increased  the  complaints  of  those  who  were 
opposed  to  the  existing  administration,  and  widened  the  gulf  which 
separated  the  two  great  political  parties. 

5.  The  conference  which  had  been  promised  by  the  Indians  of  the 
north-west  having  failed.  General  Wayne,  the  successor  of  General  St. 
Clair,  was  sent  out  against  them  in  August,  1794,  and  succeeded  in 
gaining  a complete  victory  on  the  banks  of  the  Miami,  and  in  laying 
waste  their  whole  country. 

6.  The  Six  iSTations,  and  the  other  tribes  of  Indians  in  their  region, 
who  had  been  for  some  time  meditating  a great  war  against  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  were  discouraged  by  the  success  of  General 
Wayne,  and  gave  up  their  scheme,  and  hopes  were  now  entertained  of 
a permanent  peace  with  them. 


CHAPTER  CXLIY. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Whiskey 
Insurrection. 

1.  Congress,  in  1790,  had  enacted  laws  imposing  duties  on  spirits 
distilled  within  the  United  States,  and  upon  stills.  To  these  laws  four 
or  five  counties  in  western  Pennsylvania  had  from  the  first  been 
strongly  opposed,  but  it  was  not  till  1795  that  their  hostility  broke  out 
in  angry  opposition. 

2.  In  July  of  this  year,  about  a hundred  persons,  armed  with 
guns  and  other  weapons,  attacked  the  house  of  an  inspector  of  the 
revenue,  and  wounded  some  of  the  occupants.  They  also  seized  the 
district  marshal,  and  compelled  him  to  agree  not  to  persevere  in  the 
duties  of  his  office.  Both  the  inspector  and  the  marshal  found  it 
necessary  to  leave  the  county  for  safety. 


4.  What  did  he  succeed  in  doing?  What  of  the  two  parties  in  respect  to  Jay’s  treaty  ? 
5.  Where  was  General  Wayne  sent  in  1794?  How  did  he  succeed?  6.  What  were  the 
feelings  of  the  Six  Nations  and  other  Indians  ? 

Chap.  CXLIV. — 1.  To  what  laws  were  some  counties  in  Pennsylvania  opposed  ? 2. 
What  outrages  were  committed  in  July,  1794? 


300  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

3.  These  and  other  similar  outrages  called  forth  a proclamation,  on 
the  7th  of  August,  from  President  Washington,  commanding  the  in- 
surgents to  disperse,  and  warning  all  persons  against  aiding  them  in 
any  way  whatever,  in  their  rebellious  opposition.  All  officers  and 
other  citizens  were  also  required  to  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost,  to 
prevent  and  suppress  such  dangerous  proceedings. 

4.  On  the  25th  of  September,  a second  proclamation  was  issued,  the 
object  of  which  was  to  admonish  the  insurgents,  and  induce  them,  if 
possible,  to  desist  from  their  opposition.  At  the  same  time,  however, 
the  president  declared  his  fixed  determination,  in  obedience  to  the 
duty  assigned  him  by  the  Constitution,  “ to  take  care  that  the  laws  he 
faithfully  executed,”  and  to  compel  the  refractory  to  obedience. 

5.  Meanwhile,  the  insurgents,  nothing  daunted,  proceeded  to  almost 
every  form  of  outrage.  They  first  robbed  the  western  mail.  Next, 
several  thousands  of  them  collected  at  Braddock’s  Field,  on  the  Mo- 
nongahela.  Still  later,  a convention  of  two  hundred  delegates,  from 
the  disaffected  counties  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  met  at  Parkin- 
son’s Ferry,  and  by  adjournment  at  other  places. 

6.  Some  were  for  returning  to  obedience;  others  adhered  to  their 
opposition.  At  length,  Washington  ordered  out  fifteen  thousand 
militia,  under  Governor  Lee,  of  Virginia,  on  the  approach  of  whom  the 
insurgents  laid  down  their  arms.  Eighteen  were  tried  for  treason,  but 
not  convicted.  Only  three  men  were  killed  during  the  whole  progress 
of  the  insurrection. 

7.  The  only  other  historical  events  of  the  year  1795,  worthy  of  note, 
were,  the  ratification,  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  of  Mr.  Jay’s 
treaty  with  Great  Britain,  after  a violent  opposition  by  the  Bepublican 
party,  in  Congress  and  out  of  it,  and  the  conclusion  of  treaties  with  the 
dey  of  Algiers,  Spain,  and  the  Miami  Indians.  By  the  treaty  with 
Algiers  a number  of  American  citizens  were  liberated  from  a most 
painful  bondage. 


8.  What  orders  were  issued  by  Washington?  4.  What  of  a second  proclamation?  5. 
Describe  the  conduct  of  the  insurgents.  6.  How  were  they  compelled  to  lay  down  their 
arms?  7.  What  were  some  other  historical  events  of  the  year  1795? 


ADMISSION  OF  TENNESSEE. 


301 


CHAPTEE  CXLV. 

W ashington’s  Administration,  Continued. — Admission 
of  Tennessee^  the  sixteenth  State. 

1.  In  1796,  Ten-nes-see'  was  admitted  into  the  Union.  It  had  been 
made  a territorial  government  in  1790,  but  did  not  attain  until  six 
years  afterward  the  number  of  inhabitants  necessar}^  to  entitle  it  to 
be  received  into  the  confederacy. 

2.  What  is  now  the  great  state  of  Tennessee,  with  more  than  a mil- 
lion of  inhabitants,  was,  till  about  sixty  years  ago,  a part  of  North 
Carolina.  The  first  settlement  attempted  to  be  made  in  the  province 
was  in  1754.  At  that  time,  about  fifty  families  settled  on  Cumberlarid 
Kiver,  where  Nashville  now  stands,  but  were  broken  up  soon  after  by 
the  Indians. 

8.  The  first  permanent  white  inhabitants  of  Tennessee  went  there  in 
1757.  They  built  Fort  Loudon,  now  in  Blount  county.  They  were  at- 
tacked in  1760  by  the  savages,  and  two  hundred  men,  women  and 
children,  were  massacred.  In  1767,  the  savages  were  humbled  by  Col- 
onel Grant,  and  a treaty  made  with  them,  which  encouraged  emigra- 
tion. 

4.  In  1765,  settlements  began  on  the  Holston  River,  and  gradually 
increased.  Still  the  Indians  were  troublesome,  but  were  often  prompt- 
ly repulsed,  especially  by  Colonel  John  Sevier,  who  was  the  Tennes- 
seean hero  of  those  times.  In  June,  1776,  Colonel  Sevier,  with  the 
militia  of  Tennessee,  and  a few  soldiers  from  Virginia,  gained  a de- 
cisive victory  over  the  savages. 

5.  Where  Nashville  now  stands  was  a wilderness  till  1780.  Durirfg 
that  year,  about  forty  families,  under  the  direction  of  James  Robert- 
son, crossed  the  mountains,  and  founded  Nashville.  From  this  time 
forward,  though  more  or  less  harassed  by  the  Indians,  the  progress  of 
the  state,  in  population  and  improvement,  was  rapid. 

6.  In  1785,  the  inhabitants  of  the  province  proposed  to  become  a 
state  by  the  name  of  Franklin  ; but  the  scheme  was  at  length  aban- 
doned. In  1789,  North  Carolina  gave  up  the  territory,  and  in  1790 
Congress  recognized  it  as  a separate  province,  and  made  provision  for 
its  government  accordingly. 


Chap.  CXLV. — 1.  What  of  Tennessee  ? 2.  What  was  its  condition  till  about  sixty  years 
ago  ? What  settlement  was  attempted  ? 3.  What  of  the  first  permanent  white  inhabitants 
of  Tennessee?  What  of  the  savages  in  17f‘0  and  1761  ? 4.  What  was  done  in  1765?  In 
1776?  5.  In  1780?  When  was  Nashville  founded?  6.  What  was  proposed  in  1785? 
When  did  Congress  recognize  Tennessee  as  a separate  province? 

26 


302 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  OXLVI. 

Washington’s  Administration,  Continued. — Changes  in 
his  Cabinet, — Education  in  the  Country. 

1.  Two  years  before  the  close  of  Washington’s  administration,  there 
were  some  modifications  of  his  cabinet.  General  Hamilton  had  resign^ 
ed  the  office  of  secretary  of  the  treasury,  and  had  been  succeeded  by 
Oliver  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut.  General  Knox  had  also  been  suc- 
ceeded, in  the  war  department,  by  Timothy  Pickering,  of  Massachu- 
setts. 

2.  Ko  considerable  change  had  taken  place  in  the  morals  and  relig- 
ion of  the  community,  during  the  administration  of  Washington,  not- 
withstanding his  own  manifestations  of  regard  for  good  things.  The 
country  was  still  fiooded  with  vice  and  infidelity.  The  writings  of 
Paine  and  Godwin  were_  circulated  in  great  numbers — sometimes 
gratuitously. 

3.  Trade  and  commerce,  however,  flourished  during  this  period, 
beyond  any  former  example.  In  1797,  the  exports  of  the  United 
States  amounted  to  nearly  fifty-seven  millions  of  dollars,  and  the  im- 
ports to  seventy-five  millions  of  dollars.  Great  progress  was  made 
in  agriculture,  and  also  in  manufactures.  The  population  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  had  risen  to  about  five  millions. 

4.  The  national  credit,  moreover,  had  become  established ; an  ample 
revenue  had  been  provided;  a considerable  part  of  the  national  debt 
had  been  paid  ; and  such  measures  had  been  put  in  operation  as  bade 
fair  to  extinguish  the  debt  in  a reasonable  time.  Treaties  had  been 
made  with  most  of  the  Indian  tribes,  and  we  were  at  peace  with  most 
foreign  nations. 

5.  A prodigious  impulse  had  been  given,  during  this  period,  to  the 
cause  of  education.  Among  the  literary  institutions  which  had  their 
origin  during  the  short  period  of  Washington’s  administration,  were 
Williams,  Union,  Greenville  and  Bowdoin  Colleges,  and  the  University 
of  Vermont.  The  Historical  Society  of  Massachusetts  had  its  origin, 
also,  during  the  same  period. 

6.  It  was  in  the  year  1795  that  the  remarkable  school  fund  of  Con- 
necticut was  formed.  The  Connecticut  reserve  lands — now  a part  of 


Chap.  CXLVI. — 1.  What  changes  had  been  made  in  Washington’s  cabinet?  2.  What 
of  morals  and  religion  during  Washington’s  administration?  3.  Describe  the  increase  of 
trade  and  commerce.  What  other  progress  was  made  ? What  ot  the  population  of  the 
United  States?  4.  In  what  other  respects  had  the  country  improved?  5.  What  of  educa- 
tion at  this  period  ? Colleges  ? 


WASHINGTON’S  INFLUENCE. 


303 


north-western  Ohio — were  sold  for  one  million  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  and  devoted  to  this  purpose.  The  fund  now  amounts  to  over 
two  millions  of  dollars.  In  1796,  an  act  for  establishing  schools  through- 
out the  state  was  passed  in  Pennsylvania.  At  the  present  time,  nearly 
every  state  in  the  Union  gives  encouragement  to  common  school  edu- 
cation, and  high-schools,  academies  and  colleges,  in  the  Union,  are  ab 
most  beyond  enumeration. 

7.  Ho  man  ever  had  such  unbounded  influence  in  the  United  States 
as  Washington — perhaps  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  no  man  ever  will 
have.  Several  other  chief  magistrates  have  indeed  been  extremely 
popular  and  influential,  especially  when  they  had  been  distinguished 
in  military  life.  Yet  even  these  had  not  the  hearts  of  the  whole  na- 
tion at  their  disposal,  like  Washington. 

8.  Had  he  been  as  ambitious  as  Hapoleon,  or  even  as  Bolivar  or 
Francia,  he  might  have  been  dictator  for  life,  as  well  as  they.  Such 
a course  was  even  proposed  to  him,  in  1782,  when  it  was  believed  that 
the  country  was  not  yet  ready  for  any  thing  but  a qualified  monarchy ; 
but  he  turned  from  it  with  disdain.  As  the  leader  of  a republic,  in  a 
time  which  “ tried  men’s  souls,”  no  one  ever  exceeded  him  in  judg- 
ment or  patriotism. 


6.  What  of  the  school  fund  of  Connecticut?  7.  What  of  schools,  academies  and  colleges 
at  the  present  time?  What  can  you  say  of  Washington  as  chief  magistrate ? 8.  What 

station  might  he  have  held  ? What  was  his  character  ? 


304:  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


JOHN  ADAMS. 


CHAPTEK  OXLVII. 

John  Adams’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1797,  to 
March  4th,  1801. — Prospects  of  a War  with  France, 

1.  The  time  for  electing  a chief  magistrate  was  again  approaching, 
and  Washington  having  signified  his  determination  to  retire  to  private 
life,  it  became  necessary  to  bring  into  the  field  a new  candidate.  The 
most  popular  individual  Vv'as  John  Adams,  of  Massachusetts,  and,  on 
opening  and  counting  the  votes,  in  February,  1797,  he  was  found  to  be 
elected.  Thomas  Jefferson  was  at  the  same  time  chosen  vice-president. 

2.  Although  Washington  retired  from  the  presidency,  and  Adams 
succeeded  him,  with  the  prospects  of  the  country,  on  the  whole,  eri* 
couraging,  yet  there  was  one  drawback  to  the  public  felicity.  This 
was  the  perplexing  character  of  our  relations,  as  a government,  with. 
France. 

3.  For  a long  time  before  this,  France  had  been  committing  dep- 


Chap.  CXLVII. — 1.  Who  became  president  in  1797  ? Who  vice-president  ? 2.  What 

drawback  was  there  to  the  public  happiness  ? 


DIFFICULTIES  WITH  FRANCE. 


305 


redations  on  our  West  India  commerce.  In  the  hope  of  being  able  to 
adjust,  in  an  amicable  way,  the  existing  difficulty,  Washington,  just 
before  his  retirement  from  office,  had  recalled  Mr.  Monroe,  our  min- 
ister at  Paris,  and  appointed  General  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney  in 
his  stead. 

4.  The  French  republic  refused  to  receive  a new  minister  till  after 
the  ‘‘redress  of  grievances”  of  which  they  complained.  On  learning 
the  fact.  President  Adams,  in  June,  1797,  convened  Congress,  and  in 
his  address  or  message,  though  he  spoke  of  preserving  peace  if  possi- 
ble, yet,  as  a last  resort,  he  alluded  to  war. 

5.  The  result  was,  that  three  envoys  extraordinary  to  France  were 
appointed,  to  attempt  a settlement  of  the  existing  difficulties.  They 
were  General  Pinckney,  Elbridge  Gerry,  and  John  Marshall.  Their 
mission  finally  proved  an  entire  failure ; and  the  spring  of  1798  opened 
with  every  prospect  of  war. 

6.  Indeed,  in  a practical  point  of  view,  war  was  already  begun. 
The  treaty  existing  between  the  two  countries  had,  in  July,  1797,  been 
declared  by  the  United  States  as  no  longer  binding  on  their  part.  The 
French  cruisers  were  continually  making  depredations  upon  our  com- 
merce, and  every  opportunity  was  taken  to  insult  the  United  States 
government. 

7.  In  these  circumstances,  the  first  step  taken  by  Congress  was  to 
increase  the  regular  army.  Twelve  regiments  ( f infantry,  one  of 
artillery,  and  one  of  cavalry,  were  ordered  to  be  added  to  the  existing 
establishment ; and  the  president  was  authorized  to  appoint  such  offi- 
cers as  might  be  necessary  to  render  the  army  efficient. 

8.  For  commander-in-chief,  all  eyes  were  once  more  turned  toward 
Washington;  and  notwithstanding  his  love  of  retirement  and  of  do- 
mestic and  agricultural  life,  he  consented  once  more  to  comply  with 
the  wishes  of  his  country.  But,  by  the  merciful  appointment  of  Di- 
vine Providence,  the  danger  of  war  suddenly  disappeared. 

9.  The  French  government  having  expressed  a willingness  to  settle 
the  difficulties  which  existed,  on  reasonable  terms.  President  Adams 
appointed  Oliver  Ellsworth,  William  R.  Davies,  and  William  Vans  Mur- 
ray, envoys  extraordinary  to  meet  the  commissioners  of  the  French. 
They  sailed  for  France  in  the  summer  of  1799. 

10.  On  their  arrival  in  France,  they  found  a change  in  the  govern- 
ment. All  power  was  now  in  the  hands  of  Uapoleon,  who  had  not 


3.  What  had  been  done  by  France  ? What  new  minister  had  Washington  sent  to  Paris  ? 

4.  What  did  the  French  refuse  to  do  ? What  did  Adams  say  in  his  message  to  Congress  ? 

5.  What  envoys  were  sent  to  France?  6.  What  of  the  treaty  of  1797?  What  of  the 
French  cruisers?  7.  What  steps  were  taken  to  increase  the  regular  army  ? 8.  Who  was 
looked  to  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  American  army  ? 9.  Who  sailed  for  France  in  1799  ? 

26^ 


Wh  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

been  concerned  in  the  transactions  about  which  so  much  difficulty 
existed.  A treaty  of  peace  was  made,  Sept.  30th,  1800 ; and  the  army 
of  the  United  States  was,  by  direction  of  Congress,  soon  after  dis- 
banded. 

11.  Before  the  treaty  was  made,  however,  the  commander-in-chief 
of  the  newly-raised  American  army  was  no  more!  General  Washing- 
ton expired  suddenly,  at  his  seat  at  Mount  Vernon,  in  Virginia,  Decem- 
ber 14th,  1799,  in  the  sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age;  and  left  a whole 
nation  to  mourn  his  loss. 


CHAPTEE  OXLYIII. 

Adams’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Puhlic  Health, 
Smallpox, — Yellow  Fever, — Cholera, 

1.  The  introduction  of  the  kine-pox,  or,  as  it  was  at  that  time  called, 
the  cow-pox — or,  in  more  fashionable  language  still,  'oaccination — into 
the  United  States,  in  the  year  1800,  is  an  event  which  deserves  to  be' 
remembered  in  our  history.  The  individual  to  whom  the  country  is 
indebted  for  this  act  of  benevolence  was  Dr.  Benjamin  Waterhouse,  of 
Cambridge,  Massachusetts. 

2.  Smallpox  was  first  known  in  Europe  about  the  time  of  the  dis- 
covery of  America  by  Columbus ; and,  as  might  have  been  expected 
on  its  introduction  into  a country,  was  exceedingly  fatal.  From  Europe 
it  was  soon  scattered  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  Western  World, 
where  it  was  also  very  fatal,  especially  among  the  Indians,  owing,  in 
part,  no  doubt,  to  their  wretched  mode  of  treating  it. 

3.  As  early  in  the  settlement  of  Massachusetts  as  the  year  1631, 
this  terrible  destroyer  appeared  among  the  natives  at  Saugus,  and 
swept  away  whole  towns  and  villages.  The  colonists  assisted,  it  is 
said,  in  burying  entire  families  of  the  Indians  at  once.  In  one  of  their 
wigwams  a living  infant  was  found  at  the  breast  of  its  deceased  mother, 
every  other  Indian  of  the  place  being  dead. 

4.  Again,  in  1633  and  1634,  the  disease  raged  in  the  same  fearful 
manner.  Holmes,  in  his  “American  Annals,”  says,  that  “thirty  of 
John  Sagamore’s  people  were  buried  by  Mr.  Maverick,  of  Wineseme, 
in  one  day.”  In  1692,  it  raged  greatly  in  New  Hampshire  among  the 


10.  What  treaty  was  made  by  Napoleon?  11.  When  and  where  did  Washington  die? 
Chap.  CXLVIll. — 1.  When  was  the  cow-pox  first  introduced  into  the  United  States,  and 
by  whom?  2.  When  was  the  smallpox  first  known  in  Europe?  Where  was  it  very  fatal? 
8.  Describe  its  first  ai)pearance  in  Massachusetts.  4.  When  did  it  again  rage  ? What 
does  Holmes  say  in  his  Annals  ? Where  did  it  prevail  in  1692  ? In  1700? 


THE  PUBLIC  HEALTH. 


307 


colonists,  having  been  brought  there  in  bags  of  cotton  from  the  West 
Indies.  Again,  in  1700.  it  was  fearfully  prevalent  in  Charleston, 
South  Carolina. 

5.  The  first  notice  we  find  of  its  appearance  among  the  whU-^  pop- 
ulation of  Boston  is  in  the  year  1689.  In  1702,  it  was  still  more  prev- 
alent and  fatal,  and  swept  olF  more  than  three  hundred  of  the  inhab- 
itants. Again  it  made  great  havoc  in  Boston  and  some  of  the  adja- 
cent towns,  in  1721.  Inoculation  for  the  disease  was  now  for  the  first 
time  introduced. 

6.  The  opposition  which  was  manifested  to  the  practice  of  inocula- 
tion is  at  this  day  hardly  credible,  were  it  not  well  attested.  Many 
thought  that  if  a person  who  had  been  inoculated  should  die,  his  phy- 
sician ought  to  be  treated  as  a murderer.  Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  though 
not.  a little  superstitious  himself,  labored  in  vain  to  remove  the  vulgar 
prejudices  on  this  subject. 

7.  Dr.  Zabdiel  Boylston  was  the  first  physician  whom  Dr.  Mather 
could  persuade  to  stem  the  torrent  of  prejudice.  He  began  by  inoc- 
ulating his  own  family.  The  populace  were  so  enraged,  that  his  family 
were  hardly  safe  in  his  house,  and  he  was  often  insulted  in  the  streets. 
And  yet  it  was  obvious  that  the  inoculated  disease  was  comparatively 
mild,  and  that  but  few  died  of  it. 

8.  But  the  crowning  discovery  of  all,  as  a preventive  of  this  fearful 
disease,  was  that  of  vaccination,  by  Dr.  Jenner,  of  England,  late  in 
the  eighteenth  century,  and  first  made  publicly  known  in  1796.  Much 
praise  should  be  accorded  to  Dr.  Waterhouse  for  his  successful  efforts 
to  introduce  it  in  this  country. 

9.  The  yellow  fever  first  prevailed  within  the  present  limits  of  the 
United  States,  at  Philadelphia,  about  the  year  1698,  and  swept  olf 
great  numbers  of  the  people.  It  had,  however,  previously  appeared 
in  the  West  Indies.  In  1728,  it  was  still  more  fatal  in  Charleston, 
South  Carolina.  The  physicians  knew  not  how  to  treat  it.  Again  it 
raged  in  Charleston  most  fearfully  in  1732. 

10.  In  the  year  1746,  it  prevailed  among  the  Mohegan  Indians,  in 
Connecticut,  and  about  one  hundred  of  them  died  of  it.  In  1793,  it 
was  very  fatal  in  Philadelphia,  and  again  in  1797  and  1798.  In  the 
latter  year  it  raged  also  in  ISTew  York,  and,  for  the  first  time,  in  Bos- 
ton. It  prevailed  in  Hew  Haven  in  1794.  It  has  since  appeared  at 
intervals  in  our  large  cities,  and  sometimes  has  caused  great  mortality. 

11.  The  cholera,  a new  and  destructive  disease,  after  having  raged 


5.  When  did  it  first  appear  in  Boston  ? What  of  the  further  ravages  of  the  smallpox  f 
6.  What  of  the  opposition  to  inoculation?  What  of  Cotton  Mather?  7.  What  of  Dr. 
Boylston  ? How  was  he  treated  ? 8.  What  of  Dr.  Jenner  ? 9, 10.  What  of  the  yellow 

<ever  ? Give  some  account  of  it. 


308  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


greatly  in  the  East,  at  length,  in  1832,  crossed  to  Canada,  and  ad- 
vanced, by  way  of  Albany  and  New  York,  into  the  United  States, 
where  it  became,  for  several  years  the  principal  epidemic  disease.  It 
was  much  more  suddenly  fatal,  as  well  as  more  severe,  than  common 
cholera  morbus. 

12.  But  the  scourge  of  the  United  States,  in  every  period  of  their 
history,  especially  for  a century  past,  has  been  consumption.  With 
the  progress  of  civilization  and  refinement,  this  disease  has  increased, 
and  is  likely  to  continue  to  increase  till  the  community  can  be  gener- 
ally enlightened  with  regard  to  its  numerous  causes. 

13.  The  public  events  of  the  year  1800,  in  addition  to  those  which 
have  been  mentioned,  were  neither  numerous  nor  important.  Agree- 
ably to  a resolution  of  Congress,  ten  years  before,  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment was  this  year  transferred  to  Washington,  in  the  District  of 
Columbia.* *  A law  was  passed  this  year,  establishing  a national  sys- 
tem of  bankruptcy,  hut  it  was  repealed  three  years  afterward. 

14.  There  were  also  some  changes  made  in  the  western  territories 
this  year.  A part  of  the  North-Western  territory  was  separated  from 
the  rest,  to  be  called  the  Indiana  Territory.  The  Mississippi  Territory 
was  also  erected  into  a separate  government.  By  the  census  taken 
this  year — the  second  taken  under  direction  of  the  government — the 
population  of  the  United  States  was  found  to  be  five  million  three 
hundred  and  five  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty-two. 

15.  During  the  administration  of  Mr.  Adams,  agriculture,  trade  and 
commerce  had  continued  to  flourish,  and  religion  had  begun  to  revive. 
Infidelity,  indeed,  still  stalked  abroad,  hut  had  greatly  altered  its  tone. 
The  good  influence  of  religion  upon  society  had  begun  to  be  admitted, 
even  by  those  who  did  not  believe  in  its  divine  origin. 


11.  What  of  the  cholera?  12.  What  can  yon  say  of  consumption?  13.  What  of  the 
public  events  in  the  year  1800?  What  of  Washington  ? The  District  of  Columbia? 
What  law  was  passed?  14.  What  changes  were  made  in  the  territories  this  year?  What 
of  the  population  of  the  United  States?  15.  What  of  the  administration  wMr.  Adams? 
Infidelity  ? 

* The  District  of  Columbia  was  originally  ten  miles  square ; the  part  that  lies  north  of 
the  Potomac  was  ceded  to  the  general  government  by  Maryland ; the  southern  part  by 
Virginia.  This  latter  portion  was  re-ceded  to  Virginia  in  1846. 


JEFFERSON  ELECTED  PRESIDENT. 


309 


PRESIDENT  JEFFERSON. 


CHAPTER  OXLIX. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1801,  to 
March  4th,  1809. — Choice  of  Jeferson  as  President  and 
Burr  as  Yice-President^  hy  Congress. 

1.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1801,  Mr.  Adams’s  term  of  office,  as  pres- 
ident, having  expired,  and  the  measures  of  the  Federal  party,  who  had 
been  the  chief  supporters  of  Mr.  Adams  in  the  early  part  of  his  admin- 
istration, having  become  somewhat  unpopular,  Thomas  Jefferson,  the 
candidate  of  the  Bepublican  or  Democratic  party,  had  been  elected  in 
his  stead ; and  Aaron  Burr  had  been  chosen  vice-president.  As  there 
was  no  election  by  the  people,  the  choice  for  the  first  time  had  devolv- 
ed upon  Congress.  The  contest  was  long  and  severe. 

2.  The  method  of  election,  in  such  cases,  was  ^ow  first  to  be  settled, 
and  was  fixed  upon  as  follows.  The  representatives  of  each  state  were 
to  be  seated  by  themselves,  and  to  ballot  by  themselves ; each  state  being 


yiJiiAP.  CXLIX. — 1.  When  was  Jefferson  elected  president  ? In  what  manner  was  ho 
elected?  What  of  Aaron  Burr?  2.  What  mode  of  proceeding  was  fixed  upon  ? 


310  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

entitled  to  only  one  vote.  The  doors  were  to  be  closed  against  every 
person  but  the  officers  of  the  bouse,  and,  the  balloting  having  once 
commenced,  the  bouse  was  not  to  adjourn  till  a choice  was  effected. 

3.  In  the  present  instance,  the  representatives  of  the  states  were 
obliged  to  ballot  thirty-six  times  before  they  could  effect  a choice.  At 
the  first  ballot,  eight  states  had  voted  for  Mr.  Jefferson,  six  for  Mr. 
Burr,  and  two  were  divided.  Of  course,  neither  candidate  had  a ma- 
jority of  the  votes.  At  the  thirty-sixth  ballot,  Mr.  Jefferson  had  the 
votes  of  ten  states,  Mr.  Burr  four,  and  there  were  two  blanks. 


CHAPTEE  CL. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Settlement 
of  Ohio. 

1.  In  1802,  the  eastern  part  of  the  North-Western  territory  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Union  as  an  independent  state,  by  the  name  of  Ohio. 
There  were  now  seventeen  states  in  the  Union.  At  the  time  of  its 
reception,  Ohio  contained  seventy-two  thousand  inhabitants. 

2.  It  was  first  permanently  settled  at  Marietta,  in  the  year  1788. 
This  was  a year  famous  in  the  history  of  western  emigration,  for  no 
less  than  twenty  thousand  persons — men,  women  and  children — ^passed 
the  mouth  of  the  Mus-king^-um  Eiver,  during  the  season,  on  their  jour- 
ney down  the  Ohio ! The  party  which  stopped  at  Marietta  consisted 
of  forty-seven  persons,  under  General  Rufus  Putnam. 

3.  Their  first  business  was  to  build  a stockade  fort,  of  sufficient 
strength  to  resist  the  ordinary  attacks  of  the  savages.  They  killed  the 
standing  trees  by  cutting  the  bark,  taking  care,  however,  to  hew  down 
enough  of  them  to  admit  of  their  planting  fifty  acres  of  corn.  In  the 
autumn,  twenty  more  families  joined  them.  Both  of  these  companies 
were  New  England  people. 

4.  The  Indians,  for  many  years,  gave  the  settlers  of  Marietta  but 
little  trouble.  Nor  did  the  latter  make  war  upon  or  molest  the  In- 
dians, except  in  one  or  two  instances.  Twice,  some  of  the  more 
thoughtless  of  the  settlers  fired  upon  the  Indians,  when  they  came 
too  near  them,  by  which  means  one  Indian  was  killed  and  another 
wounded. 

5.  The  earliest  settlors  of  Cincinnati,  about  twenty  in  number,  ar- 


3.  What  of  the  ballot  in  the  present  case  ? Describe  the  result  of  the  balloting. 
Chap.  cl. — 1.  What  of  Ohio  in  1802?  How  many  states  were  there  in  the  Union 
at  that  time?  2.  For  what  was  the  year  1788  remarkable?  Describe  the  emigration- 
8.  What  was  their  first  business?  4.  What  of  the  Indians?  The  settlers? 


PRESIDENT  JEFFERSON. 


311 


rived  there  in  1790.  Twenty  acres  of  corn  were  soon  planted,  and,  for 
food,  they  shot  down  game  and  caught  fish.  They  ground  their  corn 
in  handmills.  Their  garments  were  chiefly  of  their  own  manufacture. 

6.  It  has  been  said  that  Ohio  was  first  permanently  settled  in  1788. 
There  w'as  a settlement  of  Christian  missionaries  and  converted  Indi- 
ans, from  Pennsylvania,  formed  on  the  Muskingum  River  ^fiout  fifteen 
years  earlier ; but,  after  the  lapse  of  a few  years,  they  were  gradually 
broken  up,  and  the  remnant  were  massacred  some  time  after. 

7.  Until  the  year  1795,  there  was  much  difficulty  in  settling  most 
parts  of  this  state,  on  account  of  the  Indian  wars.  But  after  the  victory 
over  the  Indians  by  General  Wayne  during  the  administration  of  Wash- 
ington, the  population  increased  very  rapidly,  and  has  continued  to  in- 
crease till  the  present  time,  when  it  numbers  about  two  and  a half 
millions. 


CHAPTEE  CLI. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,*  Continued. — Cession  of  In- 
dian Lands, — Duel  between  Butt  and  Hamilton, — 
JeffeTson^s  Second  Election, 

1.  At  the  first  session  of  Congress  after  the  election  of  Jefierson,  the 
system  of  internal  taxation,  which  had 
been  introduced  during  Adams’s  ad- 
ministration, was  repealed,  as  well  as 
several  other  laws  which  the  new  ad- 
ministration did  not  approve.  Many  pub- 
lic officers,  who  were  strongly  attached 
to  the  old  order  of  things,  were  re- 
moved to  make  way  for  those  who  were 
of  a different  political  character. 

2.  Louisiana  was  ceded  by  Spain  to 
France,  in  1802,  and  the  United  States 
bought  it  of  France  for  fifteen  millions 
of  dollars,  the  next  year.  • Governor 
Claiborne  tool^  possession  of  it  in  De- 
cember, 1803.  By  a treaty  with  the 
Indians  at  Fort  Wayne,  a large  extent 
of  Indian  lands  was  also  ceded  to  the 
United  States  this  year.  Much  of  what 

5.  Describe  the  settlement  of  Cincinnati.  6.  What  of  the  first  settlement  of  Ohio  ? 7. 
What  difficulty  was  there  in  settling  this  state  ? What  is  its  population  at  the  present  time  ? 

Chap.  CLI. — 1.  What  was  done  by  the  first  Congress  after  the  election  of  Jefierson? 
2.  Give  some  history  of  Louisiana. 


HAMILTON. 


312  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

is  now  tlie  state  of  Illinois  was  ceded  to  us  by  the  Kaskaskias,  in 
1803. 

3.  In  July,  1804,  a duel  was  fought  by  Aaron  Burr,  vice-president 
of  the  United  States,  with  Alexander  Hamilton,  late  secretary  of  the 
treasury,  and  a distinguished  officer  of  the  Kevolutionary  war,  in 
which  the  latter  was  killed  at  the  first  fire.  The  duel  took  place  on 
the  Hew  Jersey  shore,  opposite  Hew  Y"ork. 

4.  The  death  of  Hamilton  produced  a very  deep  sensation  in  the 
United  States.  He  was  unquestionably  one  of  the  ablest  men  known 
in  the  history  of  our  country.  But,  in  accepting  the  challenge  of  Burr, 
who  sought  his  life,  he  was  misled  by  a false  notion  of  honor ; and,  in 
an  evil  hour,  consented  to  take  a step  which  he  was  too  proud  to  re- 
trace. Few  men  have  been  more  lamented. 

5.  Jefierson  was  re-elected,  and  again  took  the  oath  of  president  of 
the  United  States,  March  4th,  1805.  George  Clinton,  of  Hew  York, 
was  chosen  vice-president,  This  office  the  latter  held  by  re-election  till 
death,  which  happened  in  April,  1812. 

6.  The  following  anecdote  will  show  the  character  of  Vice-President 
Clinton.  At  the  close  of  the  Eevblutionary  war,  a British  officer,  in 
Hew  York,  for  no  crime  worthy  of  notice,  was  about  to  be  tarred  and 
feathered.  With  a drawn  sword  in  his  hand,  Clinton  rushed  in  among 
the  mob,  and^  at  the  hazard  of  his  own  life,  rescued  the  officer. 


CHAPTEE  CLII. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  Continued. — War'^with 
Tripoli, 

1.  Dueino  the  year  1805 — the  first  of  President  Jefferson’s  second 
term — a war  broke  out  between  the  United  States  and  Trip'-o-li,  which, 
more  than  almost  any  other  historical  event  of  that  x^eriod,  deserves  a 
particular  notice. 

2.  For  many  years  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  states  of  Africa 
had  been  known  as  corsairs  or  pirates,  and  the  United  States,  as  well 
as  other  nations,  had  suffered  greatly  from  their  depredations.  The 
Tripolitans,  in  particular,  had  been  very  troublesome.'^  Many  of  our 
vessels  had  been  boarded  and  plundered ; and  the  crews,  in  some  in- 
stances, had  been  carried  into  a captivity  worse,  if  possible,  than  death. 


3.  What  duel  was  fought  in  1804?  Describe  it,  4.  What  can  you  say  of  the  death  of 
Hamilton?  5.  Who  was  re-elected  president  in  1805?  Who  was  chosen  vice-president? 
6.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  Clinton. 

Chap.  CLII. — 1.  What  war  broke  out  in  1805?  2.  What  was  the  character  of  the 
northern  states  of  Africa?  The  Tripolitans? 


WAR  WITH  TRIPOLI. 


313 


as  well  as  to  humble  the  pirates,  an 
armed  naval  force,  under  Commodore 
Preble,  had  been  sent  out  to  the  Medi- 
terranean as  early  as  1803.  In  the 
same  year  the  Philadelphia  frigate, 
under  Captain  Bainbridge,  had  joined 
him,  but,  in  chasing  a piratical  vessel, 
had  run  aground  and  surrendered,  and 
the  captain  and  his  crew  had  been  re- 
duced to  captivity. 

4.  After  the  surrender  of  the  Phila- 
delphia, the  Tripolitans  got  the  vessel 
afloat,  and  moored  her  in  the  harbor. 
While  lying  there,  Decatur,  then  only 
a lieutenant  under  Commodore  Preble, 
formed  a plan  to  destroy  her,  to 
which,  as  it  required  but  twenty  men 
and  a single  offlcer,  the  commodore, 

after  some  hesitation,  consented. 

5.  To  accomplish  his  purpose,  Decatur  sailed,  under  cover  of  the 
night,  in  a Tripolitan  vessel  he  had  captured,  for  the  Philadelphia, 
taking  with  him  an  old  pilot,  who  understood  perfectly  the  Tripolitan 
language.  On  approaching  the  Philadelphia,  they  were  hailed ; upon 
which  the  pilot  answered  that  he  had  lost  his  cable  and  anchor,  and 
wished  to  fasten  his  vessel  to  the  frigate  till  morning. 

6.  The  request  was  refused,  but  they  were  permitted  to  remain  near 
the  Philadelphia  till  the  Tripolitans  could  send  ashore  to  ask  per- 
mission of  the  admiral.  As  soon  as  the  boat  had  put  off,  Decatur  and 
his  men  leaped  on  board,  and  in  a few  minutes  cleared  the  deck  of  fifty 
Tripolitans.  They  then  set  the  frigate  ©n  fire,  and  returned  in  the  light 
of  it  to  their  squadron. 

7.  The  plan  was  as  successful  as  it  was  daring.  Not  a man  was  lost, 
and  only  one  injured.  This  individual  was  wounded  in  defending  Deca- 
tur. The  latter,  in  a struggle  with  a Tripolitan,  had  been  disarmed,  and 
was  about  to  have  his  head  smitten  off  with  a sabre,  when  the  seaman 
reached  out  his  arm  and  received  the  blow,  and  thus  saved  him. 

8.  The  destruction  of  the  Philadelphia  greatly  enraged  the  Tripoli- 
tans ; and  the  Americans  whom  they  held  in  captivity  were  treated 
with  greater  severity  than  before.  The  sufferings  of  Captain  Bain- 
bridge and  his  crew,  and  their  companions  in  bondage,  were  represent- 


3,  Wljat  of  Commodore  Preble?  The  Philadelphia?  4.  What  was  Decatur’s  plan 
5,  S.  Describe  the  execution  of  this  design.  7.  What  of  the  man  who  was  injured  ? 8. 
Wbat  effect  had  this  feat  on  the  Tripolitans  ? What  of  Captain  Bainbridge  and  his  men  ? 

27 


S.  To  protect  our  commerce, 


314 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


ed,  nt  home,  as  great  beyond  endurance,  and  the  public  sentiment  was 
in  favor  of  continuing  the  war. 

9.  At  this  juncture,  General  Eaton,  who  had  been  consul  of  the 
United  States  up  the  Mediterranean,  and  was  at  Egypt  on  his  return 
homeward,  heard  of  the  situation  of  his  countrymen  at  Tripoli.  He 

also  fell  in  at  this 
time  with  Hamet, 
the  rightful  heir 
to  the  throne  of 
Tripoli.  Jussuf, 
the  third  son  of 
the  reigning  ba- 
shaw, to  gain  the 
throne,  had  just 
murdered  his  fa- 
ther and  elder 
brother,  and  also 
sought  to  destroy 
Hamet,  the  only 
surviving  heir  in 

BURNING  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA.  hiS  WUy. 

10.  General  Eaton 

was  much  interested  in  the  story  of  Hamet,  as  well  as  affected  by 
the  sufferings  of  his  enslaved  countrymen.  The  beys  of  Egypt,  too, 
wer^i  in  favor  of  Hamet.  A league  was  therefore  made  between  Eaton 
and  Hamet,  by  virtue  of  which  Hamet  was  to  be  restored  to  his  throne, 
and  the  American  captives  were  to  be  released  from  their  bondage. 

11.  Having  procured  a small  number  of  Americans  and  a few 
soldiers  from  Egypt,  General  Eaton  and  Hamet  crossed  the  desert  of 
Barca  and  took  Derne,  the  capital  of  a large  province  of  Tripoli.  The 
cause  of  Hamet  had,  by  this  time,  become  so  popular,  and  their  force 
so  strong,  that  they  were  about  to  attack  Tripoli ; upon  which  Jussuf 
was  glad  to  make  peace  with  the  American  consul,  Mr.  Lear. 

12-.  This  treaty,  while  it  released  the  captive  Americans,  did  not 
restore  Hamet  to  his  throne.  The  latter  visited  the  United  States,  in 
1805,  to  solicit  some  remuneration  for  the  services  he  had  rendered 
General  Eaton,  and  for  the  losses  he  had  sustained  by  the  premature 
treaty  of  peace,  as  he  deemed  it,  made  by  Mr.  Lear ; but  Congress  did 
not  see  fit  to  grant  his  request. 


9.  What  of  General  Eaton?  Who  was  Hamet?  What  had  Jussuf  just  done?  10. 
Who  were  in  favor  of  Hamet?  What  league  was  made?  11.  What  did  Hamet  and 
Eaton  do  ? Why  was  Jussuf  glad  to  make  peace  ? 12.  What  of  Hamet  afterward  ? How 
did  Congress  treat  Hamet’s  request  f 


BURR’S  CONSPIRACY, 


315 


CHAPTER  CLin. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  Continued. — Buttes  Con- 

sjoiracy. 

1.  One  of  the  most  remarkable  events  of  the  year  1806  was  the 
Conspiracy^  as  it  is  called,  of  the  late  Vice- 
President,  Aaron  Burr.  After  the  death 
of  General  Hamilton,  he  had  retired  to 
a small  island  in  the  Ohio  Eiver,  about 
two  hundred  miles  below  Pittsburg,  since 
called  Blennerhasset’s  Island. 

2.  Here  he  had  set  on  foot  a project 
for  forming  an  independent  empire  west 
of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  of  which  he 
was  to  be  the  chief  or  emperor.  Hew 
Orleans  was  to  be  the  capital.  The 
government  of  the  United  States,  ap- 
prised of  his  plan,  arrested  him,  brought 
him  to  Richmond,  in  Virginia,  and  put 
him  on  trial  for  treason  ; but  he  was  re- 
leased for  want  of  proof  against  him. 

3.  Burr  found,  moreover,  that,  beside 
the  danger  of  being  taken  and  convicted 

before  he  could  get  his  scheme  fairly  under  way,  the  attachment  of  the 
Western  States  to  the  general  government  was  stronger  than  he  had 
before  supposed,  and  that  his  cunning  and  intrigue  would  not  avail 
him. 

4.  It  had  been  Burr’s  purpose,  in  case  of  the  failure  of  his  main 
plan,  to  proceed,  with  such  forces  as  he  could  raise,  to  Mexico,  and 
establish  an  empire  there.  But  this  restless  man  died  without  accom- 
plishing the  objects  to  which  his  ambition  had  prompted  him;  and  all 
the  kingdoms  which  his  imagination  had  reared  descended  to  the  grave 
with  him. 

5.  In  point  of  talent.  Burr  was  certainly  a remarkable  man.  It  was 
liis  unbounded  ambition  and  unrestrained  selfishness  that  ruined  him. 
Had  he  aimed,  like  Washington,  at  the  general  good  of  his  country, 
rather  than  his  own  aggrandizement,  his  memory  might  as  well  have 
been  associated  with  the  latter  as  with  that  of  Benedict  Arnold. 


Chap.  CLIII.— 1.  Where  had  Burr  retired  after  the  death  of  Hamilton?  2.  What  waf 
his  plan?  What  of  his  trial?  3.  What  did  he  find?  4 What  had*heen  his  purpose? 
W hat  became  of  all  his  schemes  ? 5.  What  was  his  character  ? 


316 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


6.  It  was  about  this  period  that  President  Jefferson  directed  Lewis 
and  Clarke  to  explore  the  Missouri  Eiver.  With  a company  of  forty- 
five  men,  they  proceeded  to  its  source,  and  then  descended  down  the 
•Columbia  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  returned  the  same  way — traversing 
a distance  of  some  six  or  eight  thousand  miles  of  wilderness  in  little 
more  than  two  years  and  four  months.  The  results  of  this  expedition 
were  a large  accession  of  knowledge  in  respect  to  the  geography  and 
natural  history  of  our  country.  The  party  returned  in  the  year  1806. 


CHAPTEE  CLIY. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  Continued. — Troubles  with 
Great  Britain. — British  Orders  in  Council. — JVapo^ 
leones  Berlin  Decree. 

1.  In  1807,  Great  Britain  and  France  being  at  war  with  each  other, 
the  controversy  drew  to  one  side  or  the  other  most  of  the  European 
powers ; and  there  were  not  a few  who  would  gladly  have  involved 
the  United  States  in  the  quarrel.  As  yet,  however,  the  government 
was  determined,  if  possible,  to  remain  neutral. 

2.  One  serious  difficulty,  indeed,  had  arisen.  Great  Britain,  having 
at  her  command  a powerful  navy,  claimed  the  right  of  taking  her  own 
native-born  subjects  wherever  she  could  find  them.  In  pursuance  of 
her  purpose,  many  vessels  belonging  to  the  United  States  had  been 
searched,  and  many  individuals  on  boai’d  of  them  were  seized  and  re- 
tained as  British  subjects. 

3.  As  it  was  not  ahvays  easy  to  distinguish  American  from  British 
subjects,  this  custom  of  impressment  gave  great  offence  to  the  Amer- 
icans. Thousands  of  our  seamen,  it  was  said,  were  claimed  by  the 
British,  and,  in  this  way,  forced  into  their  service ; and,  as  if  to  con- 
tinue and  aggravate,  instead  of  trying  to  remove  the  grievance,  Great 
Britain  would  not  so  much  as  attempt  any  measures  of  redress. 

4.  Worse  than  even  this  difficulty  took  place;  for,  by  an  Order  in 
Oouncil  of  the  British  government,  issued  May  16th,  1806,  declaring 
all  the  ports  and  rivers,  from  the  Elbe  in  Germany,  to  Brest  in  France, 
in  a state  of  blockade,  American  vessels  trading  to  any  of  these  ports 
were  liable  to  be  seized  and  condemned. 

5.  This  decree  of  Great  Britain  was  followed,  in  Kovember,  by  one 


6.  Describe  the  expedition  of  Lewis  and  Clarke.  When  did  they  return  ? 

Chap.  CLIV. — 1.  What  of  Great  Britain  and  France  in  1807  ? 2.  What  did  Great  Britain 
claim  ? a What  of  the  impressment  of  our  seamen  ? 4.  What  worse  difficulty  existed  ? 


TROUBLES  WITH  GREAT  BRITAIN. 


317 


from  Bonaparte,  dated  at  Berlin,  in  Prussia,  in  which  all  the  British 
islands  were  declared  to  he  blockaded,  and  all  intercourse  with  them 
was  thus  broken  up.  This  decree  stood  directly  opposed  to  the  exist* 
ing  treaty  between  France  and  the  United  States,  and  also  to  the  laws 
and  usages  of  nations. 

6.  Again,  the  British  government,  in  January,  1807,  issued  another 
Order  in  Council,  forbidding  all  the  coasting  trade  with  France,  on 
penalty  of  capture  and  cohdemnation.  Uothing  could  have  been  better 
calculated  than  these  proceedings  to  awaken  every  latent  feeling  of 
resentment  in  the  Americans  against  the  two  nations,  if  not  to  involve 
them  in  the  horrors  o*f  war  itself. 


CHAPTEE  CLV. 

Jefferson’s  Administration,  Continued. — Attack  on  the 
Chesapeake, 

1.  Some  time  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1807,  five  men  had  de- 
serted from  the  British  frigate  Me-lam'-pus,  lying  in  Hampton  Boads, 
and  three  of  them  had  subsequently  enlisted  on  board  the  United 
States  frigate  Chesapeake,  then  at  Horfolk,  preparing  for  sea.  The 
British  consul  at  Norfolk,  on  being  acquainted  with  the  facts,  wrote 
to  Commodore  Barron,  of  the  Chesapeake,  requesting  that  the  men 
might  he  returned. 

2.  This  request  being  refused,  the  British  consul  applied  to  the  sec- 
retary of  the  navy  to  surrender  them.  The  secretary  ordered  an  ex- 
amination of  the  facts,  from  which  it  appeared  that  the  men  were 
natives  of  America,  of  which  two  of  them  had  official  certificates.  They 
were  not,  therefore,  given  up. 

3.  The  Chesapeake  had  been  ordered  to  cruise  in  the  Mediterranean, 
and,  on  June  22d,  she  proceeded  on  her  voyage  thither.  In  going  out 
of  Hampton  Eoads,  she  passed  the  British  frigates  Bel-lo'-na  and  Me- 
lampiis.  As  she  was  passing  Cape  Henry,  the  Leopard,  another  Brit- 
ish frigate,  of  fifty  guns,  came  up  with  her,  and  an  officer  was  sent  on 
board  with  a note. 

4.  This  note  enclosed  a copy  of  an  order  from  the  British  admiral, 
Berkley,  requesting  them  to  search  for  deserters  on  hoard  all  our  ships 


5.  What  decree  was  made  by  Bonaparte  ? 6.  What  other  order  was  made  by  the  British  ? 
Chap.  CLV. — 1.  What  took  place  in  the  year  180T?  2.  What  did  the  British  consul  at 
Norfolk  do?  What  appeared  to  be  tho  case  concerning  the  men  onboard  the  Che.'i- 
apeake  ? 3.  Describe  the  going  to  sea  of  the  Chesapeake.  4.  What  demand  was  made  by 
the  British  admiral  ? 

27* 


318 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


found  out  of  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  At  the  same  time  a de* 
mand  was  made  to  be  permitted  to  search  the  Chesapeake  for  the 
deserters  from  the  Melampus. 

5.  Commodore  Barron,  in  reply,  said,  that  he  did  not  know  of  any 
deserters  on  board ; that  the  recruiting  officers  for  the  Chesapeake  had 
been  particularly  instructed  not  to  receive  any  deserters  from  his 
Britannic  majesty’s  ships,  and  that  he  was  directed  never  to  permit  the 
crew  of  a ship  under  his  command  to  be  mustered  by  any  officers  but 
her  own. 

6.  Upon  receiving  this  answer,  the  officer  returned  to  the  Leopard, 
when  she  immediately  commenced  a heavy  firing  upon  the  Chesapeake. 
The  latter,  being  unprepared  for  an  action,  could  make  no  resistance ; 
but,  after  remaining  under  the  fire  of  the  Leopard  about  thirty  minutes, 
and  having  three  men  killed  and  eighteen  wounded — the  commodore 
among  the  rest — she  surrendered. 

7.  The  British  captain  refused  to  accept  the  surrender  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, but  commenced  a search,  and  finding  the  three  men  on  board 
whom  they  claimed  to  have  been  deserters,  together  with  a fourth, 
whom  they  also  claimed  on  the  same  ground,  they  took  them  along 
i\dth  them.  The  Chesapeake,  being  much  injured,  returned  to  ISTorfolk. 

8.  On  receiving  information  of  this  most  shameful  outrage,  the  pres- 
ident, by  a proclamation,  ordered  all  armed  British  vessels  to  leave  the 
waters  of  the  United  States,  and  not  to  enter  them  more  until  satisfac- 
tion was  given  by  the  British  government  for  the  assault  on  the  Chesa- 
peake.  An  armed  force  was  also  ordered  out,  sufficient  for  the  defence 
of  Norfolk,  should  it  become  necessary. 

9.  The  United  States  government  lost  no  time  in  forwarding  instruc- 
tions to  Mr.  Monroe,  our  minister  at  London,  to  demand  of  the  British 
government  that  satisfaction  which  the  particular  case  of  the  Chesa- 
peake required,  as  well  as  security  against  further  impressment  of  sea- 
men from  American  ships. 

10.  The  British  were  ready  to  enter  upon  negotiations  respecting 
the  attack  on  the  Chesapeake,  but  were  unwilling  to  relinquish  the 
right  of  search.  The  result  was,  that  the  discussion  of  the  subject  was 
delayed.  In  the  mean  time.  Congress  came  together,  when  the  capture 
of  the  Chesapeake  was  one  of  the  first  subjects  which  occupied  their 
attention. 

11.  Several  measures  were  adopted  at  this  session;  among  which 
were  preparations  and  appropriations  for  the  support  of  a large  land 


5.  What  was  Commodore  Barron’s  reply  ? 6.  Describe  the  attack  of  the  Leopard,  7. 

What  did  the  British  captain  then  do  ? 8.  What  proclamation  was  issued  by  the  president? 
9.  What  was  next  done  by  the  United  States  government  ? 10.  What  of  the  British  ? IL 
What  was  done  by  Congress?  What  seemed  inevitable? 


IMPENDING  WAR. 


319 


and  naval  force.  On  the  22d  of  December,  1807,  an  embargo  was  laid 
on  all  vessels  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United  States.  Meanwhile, 
the  difficulties  with  both  the  British  and  French  governments  were 
increasing,  and  a speedy  war  seemed  inevitable, 

12.  At  length,  Mr,  Rose,  a special  minister  from  the  British  govern ^ 
ment,  arrived  in  the  country,  and  negotiations  were  once  more  attempt- 
ed. But  they  did  not  succeed;  nor  was  the  controversy  which  grew 
out  of  the  attack  on  the  Chesapeake  finally  settled  till  some  time  ir 
the  year  1811,  as  we  shall  hereafter  have  occasion  to  state. 


IS.  Wbat  of  Mr.  Rose?  Wfeat  of  tl2«  Ckesapeake  oofitj’ortsrisj.  ? 


320 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PRESIDENT  MADISON. 


CHAPTER  CLYI. 

Madison^s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1809,  to 
March  4th,  1817. — MadisombS  Inauguration, — Affair 
of  the  Little  Belt,  — Steamhoat  Navigation,  — Ocean 
Steam  Navigation, 

1.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1809,  James  Madison,  the  candidate  of  the 
Kepnhlican  or  Democratic  party,  having  been  elected  president,  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Jefferson.  George  Clinton  of  NTew  York,  who  had  been 
vice-president  since  1804,  was  now  re-elected  to  that  office.  The  pros- 
pects of  the  country,  at  this  period,  w’ere  gloomy  indeed.  The  two 
great  nations  of  England  and  France  were  still  at  war,  and,  in  the 
progress  of  that  war,  by  their  orders  and  decrees  and  impressments 
and  seizures,  were  breaking  in  upon  all  form.er  treaties,  especially  those 
with  the  United  States, 


Chap.  CLVI. — 1.  When  did  Mr.  Madison  succeed  Mr.  Jefferson?  What  of  George  Clio* 
ton  ? What  •vv'as  now  the  state  of  the  country  ? 


THE  FIRST  STEAMBOAT. 


32J 


2.  As  strong  encouragement  had  been  given  by  Great  Britain,  in  the 
year  1809,  before  Mr.  Jelferson  went  out  of  office,  of  a readiness  on  her 
part  to  settle  the  existing  differences  between  the  two  countries,  the 
embargo  had  been  repealed  on  the  1st  of  March.  Finding,  however, 
that  there  was  still  a disposition  to  delay,  the  embargo  was,  on  the 
10th  of  August,  renewed. 

3.  Thus  affairs  proceeded  for  some  time.  Decrees  and  prohibitions 
and  proclamations  became  quite  the  order  of  the  day.  Sometimes,  in- 
deed, there  was  a gleam  of  hope.  The  probability  that  the  United 
States  could  long  remain  neutral,  in  the  existing  state  of  things,  was, 
however,  every  day  and  every  hour  diminishing. 

4.  On  the  16th  of  May,  1811,  the  British  sloop  of  war  Little  Belt, 
commanded  by  Captain  Bingham,  made  an  unprovoked  attack  upon 
the  United  States  frigate  President,  commanded  by  Commodore 
Rodgers ; in  the  conflict  which  followed,  the  Little  Belt  had  eleven 
men  killed,  and  twenty-one  wounded,  and  her  rigging  was  much  dam- 
aged,  while  the  President  had  only  a single  man  wounded. 

5.  On  the  12th  of  ISTovember,  the  British  envoy,  Mr.  Foster,  ac- 
knowledged the  attack  on  the  Chesapeake  to  be  unauthorized,  and 
offered,  in  the  name  of  the  British  government,  to  make  reparation  for 

the  injury  which  had  been  sus- 
tained. The  whole  affair  was 
therefore  soon  adjusted  to  the 
satisfaction  of  both  parties- 

6.  The  first  successful  steam- 
boat was  put  in  operation  on 
the  Hudson  in  the  year  1807, 
it  being  the  acknowledged  in- 
vention of  Robert  Fulton.  An 
event  so  closely  connected  with 
the  prosperity  of  the  United 
States  must  not  be  excluded 
from  their  history. 

7.  An  experiment  had  been 
made,  with  the  steam-engine, 
on  the  Seine,  near  Paris,  in 
1803  ; but  no  vessel  was  set  in 
motion  by  steam,  in  the  United 

States,  till  four  years  afterward.  The  two  individuals  to  whom  we 


2.  What  of  the  embargo  ? 3.  What  was  the  order  of  the  day  ? 4.  What  was  done  by  the 
Little  Belt  ? 5.  How  was  the  affair  of  the  Chesapeake  arranged  ? 6.  What  of  steamboats  ? 
7 What  experiment  had  been  made  ? What  of  Fulton  and  Stevens  ? When  did  steam* 
boats  appear  in  Great  Britain  ? 

14* 


ROBERT  PULTON. 


322  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

are  indebted  for  the  introduction  of  steamboats,  were  Fulton,  the  in- 
ventor, and  Stevens,  who  aided  by  his  funds  and  co-operatio£i.  They 
were  not  introduced  into  Great  Britain  till  1812— five  years  after  their 
use  in  this  country. 

8.  The  first  steamboat  on  the  western  waters  was  launched  at  Pitts- 
burg, in  1813.  She  was  of  four  hundred  tons’  burden,  and  was  called 
the  Ye-su'-vi-us.  She  was  built  to  run  as  a regular  trader  between 
the  falls  of  the  Ohio  and  N’ew  Orleans.  A steamboat  first  ascended 
the  Arkansas  River  in  1820. 

9.  Such  was  the  popularity  and  such  the  success  of  these  boats,  es- 
pecially in  the  western  waters,  that,  in  1822,  nine  years  after  the  build- 
ing of  the  Vesuvius,  no  less  than  eighty -nine  steamboats  were  enrolled 
at  the  port  of  ]New  Orleans,  forming,  in  the  aggregate,  something  more 
than  eighteen  thousand  tons.  The  Arkansas  River  had  even  been  as- 
cended by  steamboats  five  hundred  miles. 

10.  The  first  steam-ship  sailed  for  Europe  in  May,  1819.  In  1840, 
there  v/ere  two  regular  lines  of  steam-packets  plying  between  the 
United  States  and  Europe ; one  from  Boston,  and  the  other  from  Hew 
York.  At  first,  ten  or  twelve  miles  an  hour  was  thought  to  be  suffi- 
ciently rapid ; now,  the  Atlantic  is  crossed  in  ten  days. 

11.  The  whole  number  of  steamboats,  in  the  different  states  of  the 
Union,  in  1840,  was  estimated  at  about  eight  hundred,  with  a capacity 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty  tons. 
Of  these  eight  hundred  boats,  one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  were  built 
in  the  year  1837.  The  number  of  steam-engines,  of  all  kinds,  in  use, 
was  estimated  at  about  three  thousand. 

12.  Since  that  period,  the  number  of  steamboats  has  greatly  in- 
creased, and  steam  has  been  most  successfully  applied  to  the  navigation 
of  the  ocean.  At  the  present  time  a large  part  of  the  navigation  of  the 
world  is  carried  on  by  vessels  propelled  by  steam. 

13.  Steam  has  also  been  applied  to  ships  of  war,  and  now  a large  part 
of  the  national  vessels,  not  only  of  the  United  States,  but  of  England, 
France,  Russia,  and  other  countries,  are  propelled  by  steam  power. 


8.  Describe  the  Vesuvius.  What  took  place  in  1820  ? 9.  What  of  steamboats  in  1822? 
10.  When  did  the  first  steam-ship  sail  to  Europe?  11.  What  of  steam-pack  As  in  1840? 
How  many  steamboats  were  built  in  1837  ? What  of  steam-engines  ? 12.  What  of  ocean 
iteam  navigation  ? 13.  What  of  steamships  of  war  ? 


BATTLE  OF  TIPPECANOE. 


323 


BATTLE  OF  TIPPECAl^OE. 


CHAPTEE  CLVII. 

• Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Indian  War, — ’ 
Battle  of  Tijppecanoe. 

1.  In  the  year  1811,  Congress  assembled  on  the  5th  of  N'ovember. 
Not  only  the  president’s  message,  but  all  the  proceedings,  indicated 
the  expectation  of  a rupture  with  Great  Britain  at  no  distant  period ; 
for,  though  reparation  had  been  made  in  the  case  of  the  Chesapeake, 
the  Orders  in  Council  remained  in  full  force. 

2.  During  this  year,  the  Shaw-a-nese^  and  other  Indians  about  the 
Wa'-bash  River  in  the  territory  of  Indiana,  became  troublesome.  Gov- 
ernor Harrison,  afterward  president,  with  twelve  hundred  men,  three 
hundred  and  fifty  of  whom  were  regular  troops,  proceeded  from  the 
neighborhood  of  Vincennes  to  Prophet’s-town,  as  the  residence  of 
their  chief  was  called,  to  demand  satisfaction  of  the  Indians. 

3.  The  troops  commenced  their  march  September  26th,  and  nothing 
of  importance  occurred  until  their  arrival  on  the  line  of  the  enemy’s 


Chap.  CLYII. — 1.  What  was  expected  in  the  year  1811?  2.  What  of  the  Indians? 
Who  went  against  them  ? 


824 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


country.  Here  they  built  a fort,  which,  in  honor  of  their  commander, 
they  called  Fort  Harrison.  At  this  place  they  remained  about  a 
month,  during  which  time  the  Indians  very  frequently  came  into  the 
camp,  and  held  councils  with  Governor  Harrison,  but  would  not  accede 
to  his  terms, 

4.  Under  the  circumstances,  it  was  resolved  to  attack  them;  and, 
with  this  view,  the  troops  left  Fort  Harrison,  October  29th,  and  ar- 
rived at  Prophet’s-town  November  6th.  When  they  were  within 
half  a mile  of  the  place,  they  formed  in  line  of  battle,  upon  which 
the  Indians  sent  in  a flag  of  truce,  saying  that  if  their  lives  might 
be  spared  till  next  morning,  they  would  agree  to  the  governor’s 
terms. 

5.  This  was  a device  of  the  savages  to  gain  time,  and  put  their  ene- 
mies off  their  guard.  It  was  but  too  successful;  and,  unsuspicious 
of  danger,  our  troops  encamped  where  they  were.  Many  of  them, 
strange  as  it  may  seem,  slept  as  quietly  all  night  as  if  they  had  been 
at  home  in  the  midst  of  their  families. 

6.  A little  before  five  o’clock,  next  morning,  the  savages  came  upon 
them  with  such  fury  that  the  sentinels  could  only  fire  a single  gun 
before  they  were  in  the  very  midst  of  the  camp.  Some  of  the  soldiers 
were  prepared,  but  others  had  to  struggle  with  them  at  their  very  tent 
doors. 

7.  The  battle  soon  became  severe,  and  the  Indians,  encouraged  by 
the  surprise  into  which  thej'^  had  throwm  the  troops  at  the  first  onset, 
pressed  forward  in  great  numbers.  The  result  of  the  contest  for  a 
long  time  was  doubtful.  The  bravery  and  skill  of  our  troops,  how- 
ever, prevailed,  and  the  Indians  began  to  give  way ; shortly  after  this, 
they  fled  to  a swamp,  where  they  could  not  be  followed. 

8.  The  victory  over  them  was  dearly  bought.  Sixty  of  the  United 
States  troops  were  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  wounded. 
Among  the  slain  were  several  able  and  valuable  officers.  The  loss  of 
the  savages  was  great,  but  the  number  could  not  be  exactly  ascertained. 

9.  The  next  day  the  troops  set  fire  to  Prophet’s-town,  and  having 
destroyed  every  thing  valuable  they  could  find,  returned  to  Vincennes, 
after  a fatiguing  campaign  of  about  two  months.  The  defeat  of  the 
Indians,  however,  was  decisive.  They  gave  the  settlers  in  that  vicinity 
jio  more  trouble  for  some  time. 


3.  Where  did  the  troops  encamp  ? 4.  What  was  now  done  by  the  troops?  What  did  the 
savages  do  ? 5.  What  of  the  deceptive  device  of  the  savages  ? 6.  Describe  the  attack. 
Result  of  the  battle  ? 8.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  Americans?  9.  What  was  done  tho 
next  day.^  What  eifect  had  the  defeat  of  the  Indians? 


WAR  WITH  GREAT  BRITAIN  DECLARED.  325 


CHAPTER  CLYIIL 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — War  with  Great 
Britain  declared. 

1.  The  difficulties  with  Great  Britain  were  not  removed.  That 
government  still  insisted  on  the  right  of  impressment^  as  it  was  called ; 
the  blockade  of  her  enemies’  ports  embarrassed  and  injured  us;  and 
though  the  French  decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan  were  repealed,  the 
British  had  not  as  yet  annulled  their  Orders  in  Council. 

2.  An  embargo  was  laid,  on  the  3d  of  April,  1812,  by  the  president,  at 
the  recommendation  of  Congress,  to  continue  ninety  days,  on  all  vessels 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  ITnited  States.  This  was  the  prelude  to 
war  with  Great  Britain,  which  was  declared  on  the  18th  of  June  fol- 
lowing. Thus  began  the  Second  War  with  Great  Britain,  which 
continued  till  the  peace  of  Ghent,  December  24th,  1814. 

3.  The  bill  for  the  declaration  of  war  did  not  pass,  however,  without 
opposition.  Though  generally  supported  by  the  Democratic  party,  it 
was  condemned  by  some  of  its  members,  and  was  resisted  by  the  other 
party,  the  Federalists,  with  great  unanimity.  Forty-nine,  out  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  of  the  representatives,  entered  their  solemn 
protests,  in  which  they  denied  the  war  to  be  either  necessary  or  just. 
Indeed,  it  only  passed  the  senate  by  a very  small  majority. 

4.  Nor  was  the  measure  very  well  received  by  the  people  after  the 
bill  passed.  The  editors  of  several  newspapers  in  different  parts  of 
the  country,  were  very  decided  in  their  expressions  of  disapprobation ; 
so  much  so  as  to  provoke  the  violence  of  the  war  party  and  cause 
mobs  and  riots. 

5.  The  most  remarkable  of  these  mobs  was  at  Baltimore.  The 
rioters  first  tore  down  the  printing-office  of  the  paper  which  had  of- 
fended them.  The  editor  and  others  undertook  to  defend  themselves 
with  arms.  The  military  force  of  the  city  was  finally  called  out. 
The  conflict  was  severe,  and  was  continued  for  two  or  three  nights; 
General  Lingan  was  killed,  and  several  were  wounded. 

6.  So  poorly  prepared  was  the  country  for  war,  and  so  difficult  was 
it  found  to  enlist  soldiers,  that  a demand  was  made  by  the  president  on 
the  governors  of  the  states  to  furnish  men  from  the  militia  of  their 


Chap.  CLYIII. — 1.  What  of  the  difficulties  with  Great  Britain  ? 2.  What  of  an  embargo 
laid  in  April,  1812  ? When  was  war  declared  with  Great  Britain  ? 3.  How  did  the  bill  pass  ? 
4.  What  of  the  editors  of  papers?  5.  Describe  the  mob  at  Baltimore.  6.  Was  the  coun- 
try well  prepared  for  war  ? What  demand  was  made  by  the  President?  What  refusal 
followed  ? 

28 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


320 


several  states,  to  guard  their  own  seaboard.  But  this  Massachusetts, 
Connecticut,  and  Rhode  Island  refused  to  do. 

7.  The  grounds  of  this  refusal  were,  that  the  militia,  if  sent  under 
the  call  of  the  president,  would  be  subject  to  the  officers  of  the 
regular  army,  and  might  be  marched  into  Canada,  or  to  any  other  part 
of  the  countrj^ ; and  this,  it  was  contended,  was  not  agreeable  to  the 
constitution. 

8.  This  refusal  produced  a great  sensation  throughout  the  United 
States,  but  was  fully  justified  by  a large  majority  of  the  people  of  the 
several  states  which  thus  withheld  their  militia  from  the  demand  of 
the  general  government.  It  was  severely  condemned,  however,  by 
some  other  portions  of  the  country,  especially  those  of  the  Democratic 
party. 


CHAPTER  CLIX. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — General  HulVs 
Surrender  to  the  British  at  Detroit. 

1.  We  have  seen  that,  as  the  war  advanced,  a part  of  the  states  refused 
to  call  out  their  militia  at  the  request  of  the  president.  Connecticut, 
however,  proceeded  to  raise  troops  for  her  own  defence,  and  to  organize 
and  station  them,  at  various  points  along  the  coast,  in  her  own  way. 

2.  It  was  also  found  difficult  to  enlist  regular  troops,  and  still  more 
so  to  find  suitable  officers  for  them.  The  few  already  in  the  service, 
and  such  as  could  be  readily  enlisted,  amounting  to  two  thousand,  were 
sent  away  to  the  north-west,  and  placed  under  General  Hull,  an  aged 
man  who  had  served  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  who  was  at  this 
tinie  governor  of  Michigan  Territory. 

3.  General  Hull,  with  his  troops,  was  ordered  to  Detroit,  to  garrison 
the  fort  there,  and  protect  the  country  from  the  incursions  of  the 
British  and  Indians.  He  arrived  early  in  July,  1812,  and  having  put 
every  thing  in  a posture  of  defence,  he  crossed  the  river  Detroit  July 
12th,  and  made  preparations  to  invade  Upper  Canada. 

4.  But,  instead  of  invading  Canada,  or  even  attacking  a single  post, 
he  remained  there  till  the  7th  of  August,  and  then  returned,  with  his 
army,  in  the  night,  to  Detroit.  After  a few  slight  battles  and  a good 
deal  of  skirmishing,  he  surrendered  his  army,  August  16th,  with  the 
fort  of  Detroit,  and  all  the  neighboring  forts  and  garrisons,  to  the 
British,  under  General  Brock. 


T.  What  were  the  grounds  of  the  refusal?  8.  What  of  the  people? 

Chap.  CLIX. — 1.  What  did  Connecticut  do?  2.  What  was  the  state  of  the  United 
States  troops  ? 8.  What  was  clone  by  General  Hull  ? 4.  Describe  his  surrender 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  GUERRIERE  AND  ALERT.  327 


5.  This  unexpected  surrender,  at  the  very  outset  of  the  war,  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  whole  country.  General  Hull  was  everywhere  re- 
garded, whether  justly  or  unjustly,  as  either  a coward  or  a traitor. 
Having  been  exchanged,  soon  afterward,  for  thirty  British  prisoners, 
he  was  subsequently  tried  by  a court-martial  and  sentenced  to  death ; 
but,  on  account  of  his  age,  he  was  recommended  to  the  mercy  of  the 
president,  who  finally  pardoned  him. 

6.  General  Hull  was  tried  for  three  things — treason,  cowardice,  and 
UnofiTicer-like  conduct.  On  the  first  charge,  the  court-martial  which 
tried  him  did  not  give  an  opinion ; but  he  was  found  guilty  on  the 
other  two.  He  was,  most  evidently,  unfit  to  command  an  army,  either 
by  reason  of  age,  or  from  other  causes,  and  ought  never  to  hav-^^  been 
charged  with  so  important  a trust. 


BATTLE  BETWEEN  THE  ESSEX  AND  ALERT. 


CHAPTEK  CLX. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Capture  of  the 
Guerriere  and  the  Alert. 

1.  While  the  war  was  commenced  so  unhappily  on  land,  it  was  far 
otherwise  on  the  sea.  Though  Lord  Helson  and  others,  by  their  skill, 
had  rendered  Great  Britain  the  mistress  of  the  ocean,  she  was  yet  to 


5.  What  was  the  consequence  of  General  Hull’s  act  ? How  was  he  regarded?  6.  For 
what  was  he  tried  ? 


328 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


be  humbled  by  a power  whose  naval  force  she  had  been  accustomed  to 
despise  from  its  apparent  insignificance. 

2.  The  United  States,  at  the  opening  of  the  war  of  1812,  had  three 
frigates  of  forty-four  guns  each,  three  of  thirty-eight,  five  of  from 
twenty-eight  to  thirty-six,  and  nine  sloops,  varying  from  twelve  to 
eighteen  guns.  These  twenty  vessels  constituted  their  whole  naval 
armament ; and  even  of  these,  one  was  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  two  were 
unfit  for  sea.  The  British  navy  consisted  of  from  eight  hundred  to  one 
thousand  ships ! 

3.  Commodore  Rodgers,  with  his  little  fieet,  the  President,  the  Essex, 
and  the  Hornet,  lay  at  NTew  York  when  war  was  declared.  Within 
an  hour  after  he  heard  the  news,  he  and  the  Hornet  were  under  way. 
On  the  23d  of  June,  only  five  days  after  the  war  was  declared,  he  fell 
in  with  and  attacked  the  British  frigate  Bel-vi-de'-ra,  of  thirty-six  guns, 
but  she  escaped. 

4.  This,  how^ever,  was  only  a beginning.  The  Constitution,  of  forty  - 
four  guns,  commanded  by  Captain  Isaac  Hull,  sailed  from  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay  about  the  middle  of  July.  She  was  soon  chased  by  a Brit- 
ish fleet,  and  the  chase  continued,  with  some  firing,  for  several  days; 
but  the  Constitution  succeeded  in  escaping. 


5.  Meanwhile  the  Essex,  com- 
manded by  Captain,  afterward 
Commodore  Porter,  which  was 
not  ready  for  sea  when  Commo- 
dore Rodgers  attacked  the  Belvi- 
dera,  having  made  the  necessary 
repairs,  sailed,  and,  after  having 
taken  several  prizes,  on  the  13th 
of  August  fell  in  with  the  Brit- 
ish sloop  of  war  Alert,  of  twen- 
ty guns,  which  she  took,  after  an 
action  of  only  eight  minutes. 


6.  This  was  the  first  armed 
vessel  which  was  taken  by  the 
Americans  during  this  war.  It 
was  not  surprising  that  a frigate 
of  thirty-two  guns  should  van- 


COMMODORE  PORTER. 


quish  a sloop  of  twenty  ; and  yet 
it  was  not  expected  hy  our  sailors  that  a vessel  of  the  size  of 


Chap.  CLX.— 1.  What  of  the  British  navy?  2.  What  vessels  had  the  United  States 
at  the  commencement  of  the  war?  What  had  the  British?  3.  What  ships  had  Com- 
modore Rodgers  ? What  did  he  do  on  hearing  the  news  of  the  war  ? What  of  the  Bel- 
videra?  4.  Describe  the  chase  of  the  Constitution.  5.  Describe  the  capture  of  the  Alert 
by  Captain  Porter.  6.  What  can  you  say  of  the  two  vessels  ? 


ATTACK  ON  QUEENSTOWN. 


329  ' 


the  Alert  would  make  so  feeble  a resistance.  The  Essex  was  not  in- 
jured, nor  a man  hurt;  while  the  Alert  was  greatly  crippled,  and  had 
three  men  wounded. 

7.  This  naval  battle  was  fought  three  days  before  General  Hull’s 
surrender.  Three  days  after  the  surrender,  another  event  took  place 
which  was  still  more  remarkable,  both  with  respect  to  its  character 
and  the  final  results,  than  the  former.  It  was  the  capture  of  the  Brit- 
ish frigate  Guerriere. 

8.  On  the  19th  of  August,  the  Constitution  came  up  with  this  frigate, 
commanded  by  Captain  Dacres,  and  carrying  thirty-eight  guns,  about  a 
thousand  miles  eastward  of  ISTew England,  and  in  two  hours  made  her.a 
complete  wreck ; so  much  so,  that  it  was  thought  best  to  destroy  her. 

9.  The  loss  of  the  Constitution,  in  this  contest,  was  seven  killed  and 
seven  wounded ; while  the  Guerriere  had  fifteen  killed  and  sixty-three 
wounded.  The  Constitution  was  so  little  injured  as  to  be  ready  for 
another  action  the  very  next  day.  Yet  the  force  of  the  American 
frigate  was  but  little  more  than  that  of  the  enemy. 

10.  These  brilliant  events  at  sea  had  some  effect  in  atoning  for  our 
loss  on  the  land.  Besides,  they  encouraged  our  navy.  It  had  been 
thought,  for  some  time,  that  nothing  could  vanquish  the  British — force 
for  force ; but  it  now  began  to  be  thought  otherwise. 


CHAPTER  CLXI. 

Madison’s  Administration,  CoNTiNUEiK—AUack  on 
Qneenstown. 

1.  As  early  as  the  1st  of  October,  1812,  eight  or  ten  thousand  men, 
with  military  stores,  were  collected  at  various  points  along  the  Cana- 
dian line,  chietiy,  however,  in  three  great  divisions — the  ISTorth- western, 
the  Eastern  and  the  Northern  armies.  Measures  had  also  been  taken 
for  arming  vessels  on  the  three  lakes,  Erie,  Ontario  and  Champlain. 

2.  The  north-western  army  was  commanded  by  General  Harrison, 
and  was  stationed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Detroit.  The  central  divi- 
sion was  directed  by  General  Stephen  Yan  Eensse'-la-er,  and  stationed 
at  Lewiston,  just  below  Niagara  Falls.  The  army  of  the  north,  under 
Major  General  Henry  Dearborn,  who  was  also  commander-in-chief, 
was  at  Greenbush  and  Plattsburg. 

7.  What  event  of  importance  soon  occurred  ? 8.  Describe  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere. 
0.  What  was  the  loss  sustained  by  the  two  frigates  ? 10.  How  did  these  events  aifect  the 
United  States  navy  ? 

Chap.  CLXI. — 1.  What  was  done  October,  1813?  2.  How  were  the  three  divisions  oi 

the  army  commanded  ? 

28* 


831) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


3.  On  the  13th  of  October,  early  in  the  morning,  a part  of  the  army 
at  Lewiston  succeeded  in  crossing  the  Magara  River  to  Queenstown,  and 
in  taking  possession  of  the  battery  on  the  heights.  But  they  were  not 
table  to  maintain  their  position,  for  they  were  only  a few  hundreds,  and 
most  of  the  men  at  Lewiston  were  militia,  and  refused  to  follow  them 
{IS  they  had  promised  to  do. 

4.  The  commander  of  the  Heights,  General  Van  Rensselaer,  was  now 
in  a most  perilous  situation.  He  had  indeed  already  repelled  one 
attack  from  six  hundred  British  regulars,  and  killed  General  Brock, 
their  commander.  But  General  Sheafe,  his  successor,  renewed  the 
attack  with  an  increased  force,  and  the  Americans  were  at  length  com- 
pelled to  surrender. 

5.  Hothing  could  have  been  more  unexpected  than  the  refusal  of 
the  American  militia  to  cross  the  Niagara.  They  had  but  just  before 
been  urgent  for  the  battle,  and  now  they  utterly  refused  to  embark. 

6.  General  Brock  was  much  lamented  by  the  inhabitants  of  Canada, 
and  a beautiful  monument  was  erected  to  his  memory,  on  the  heights 
of  Queenstown,  where  he  fell.  An  attempt  was  made,  a few  years 
since,  to  destroy  this  monument ; and,  though  it  was  not  quite  suc- 
cessful, the  monument  was  seriously  injured.  The  villains  were  never 
discovered. 

7.  The  attack  on  Queenstown  was  followed,  in  November,  by  a few 
bullying  efforts,  above  the  falls,  on  the  part  of  General  Smyth.  He 
was  the  successor  of  General  Van  Rensselaer — the  latter  having  re- 
signed. He  sent  two  detachments  across,  in  the  night,  to  Black  Rock ; 
but  they  accomplished  very  little.  The  troops  soon  went  to  winter- 
quarters,  and  Smyth,  being  hissed  from  the  army,  went  home  to 
Virginia. 

8.  Thus  ended  the  war  against  Canada  for  that  year.  Never,  per- 
haps, was  less  accomplished,  under  circumstances  so  favorable,  than 
was  done  by  the  Americans,  in  this  campaign  of  1812.  On  the  26th 
of  September,  they  had  a force  of  thirteen  thousand  men  on  the  fron- 
tier, more  than  six  thousand  of  whom  were  regulars ; while  the  Brit- 
ish could  scarcely  muster  three  thousand  troops  on  their  whole  line, 
from  west  to  east. 


3.  What  was  done  October  18th  ? 4.  What  of  the  commander  of  the  Heights  ? 5.  The 
militia?  fi.  What  monument  was  erected  to  the  memory  of  General  Brock  ? What  at- 
tempt was  made?  7.  What  of  General  Smyth?  8.  What  of  the  war  against  Canada  for 
tneyear  1812? 


NAVAL  VICTORIES. 


331 


CHAPTEE  OLXII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — More  Naval 
Victories. 

1.  The  success  of  the  naval  forces  of  the  United  States  for  this  year, 
1812,  was,  throughout,  as  hrilliant  as  the  conduct  of  the  land  forces  was 
disgraceful.  Where  least  was  expected,  and  where  there  was  least  rea- 
son to  expect  any  thing,  there  the  most  heroic  bravery — not  to  say  the 
most  unprecedented  skill — w^as  manifested. 

2.  On  the  18th  of  October,  the  United  States  sloop  Wasp,  of  eight- 
een guns,  commanded  by  Captain  Jones,  came  up  with  and  captured 
the  British  sloop  Frolic,  Captain  Wynyates,  of  nearly  the  same  size 
and  force,  eight  hundred  miles  eastward  of  Norfolk,  in  Virginia.  The 
action  lasted  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour. 

3.  Both  vessels  were  much  injured  in  the  engagement,  hut  the  Wasp 
suffered  most  in  her  rigging.  She  had  only  five  men  killed  and  five 
wounded.  The  fire  of  the  Wasp  evidently  fell  below  the  rigging  of 
the  Frolic;  for  the  latter  had  at  least  seventy  or  eighty  killed  or 
wounded.  Indeed,  it  was  said  that  not  twenty  of  her  men  escaped 
wholly  unhurt. 

4.  The  Frolic  had  scarcely  submitted  to  the  Wasp,  when  a British 
seventy-four  gun  ship  hove  in  sight — the  Poictiers — and  immediately 
bore  down  upon  them.  As  they  were  in  no  situation  .either  to  escape 
or  make  a defence,  they  were  forthwith  taken  and  carried  into  Ber 
mu  da. 

5.  One  week  later  than  this,  viz.,  October  25th,  a still  more  remark- 
able victory  was  obtained  by  our  little  navy.  The  United  States, 
another  forty-four  gun  ship,  commanded  by  Commodore  Decatur,  who 
had  distinguished  himself  so  much  at  Tripoli,  fell  in  with  and  cap- 
tured the  British  frigate  Macedonian,  Captain  Carden,  rated  at  • thirty- 
eight  guns,  but  really  carrying  forty-nine. 

6.  This  action  took  place  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  about  seven  hun- 
dred miles  southward  of  the  Azores.  It  lasted  an  hour  and  a half,  and 
was  very  fatal  to  the  crew  of  the  Macedonian.  Out  of  her  comple-^ 
ment  of  three  hundred  men,  she  had  more  than  a hundred  killed  and 
wounded,  while  the  United  States  had  but  seven  killed  and  five 
wounded. 


Chap.  CLXII. — What  was  the  success  of  the  naval  force  of  the  United  States  for  the 
year  1812  ? 2.  Describe  the  engagement  of  the  Wasp  and  the  Frolic.  8.  What  was  the 
loss  on  both  sides?  4.  How  were  the  Wasp  and  her  prize  captured?  5.  What  of  Conx- 
modore  Decatur?  6.  Describe  the  action  between  the  United  States  and  Macedonian 


332 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


7.  One  of  those  killed  on  board  the  Macedonian  was  the  carpenter. 
As  he  was  known  to  be  in  destitute  circumstances,  and  to  have  left  a 
family  of  helpless  children  with  a worthless  mother,  his  brave  com- 
panions immediately  held  a contribution,  and  raised  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars, to  be  put  in  safe  hands,  for  the  education  of  the  unhappy  orphans. 

8.  Sailors  are  apt  to  be  generous.  It  is  not  always,  however,  that 
they  make  so  wise  an  application  of  their  charities  as  in  this  case. 

9.  Another  victory  was  achieved  by  our  brave  tars  before  the  year 
closed.  Captain  Hull  had  retired  from  the  service,  and  had  been  suc- 
ceeded in  the  command  of  the  Constitution  by  Commodore  Bainbridge. 
On  the  29th  of  December,  while  olF  the  coast  of  Brazil,  the  British 
frigate  Java,  of  forty-nine  guns,  came  in  sight,  and  a battle  ensued. 

10.  The  engagement  was  severe  from  the  first.  It  had  continued 
nearly  two  hours,  and  nearly  two  hundred  men  had  been  killed  or 
wounded  on  board  the  J ava,  when  she  was  compelled  to  strike  her 
colors.  She  was  so  much  injured  that  it  was  concluded,  a few  days 
afterward,  to  burn  her.  The  loss  of  the  Constitution  was  hardly  one- 
sixth  as  great  as  that  of  the  Java. 

11.  On  board  the  Java,  during  the  battle,  was  an  American  pris- 
oner, in  confinement.  Anxious  to  know  the  issue,  he  often  asked  a 
Chinese,  who  was  stationed  near  him,  how  the  battle  was  going  on. 

Oh,  a glorious  victory,”  was  the  reply  always.  Not  satisfied  with 
this,  especially  as  he  saw  so  many  wounded  men  brought  below,  he 
asked  which  side  was  about  to  gain  the  victory,  “Why,”  said  the 
Chinese,  “ one  or  t’other.” 


CHAPTER  CLXIII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Louisiana  ad- 
mitted to  the  Union, — Mediation  of  Russia  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain  offered, — Madison  re^ 
elected, — Various  Events  ^1812  and  1813. 

1.  Several  other  interesting  events  in  our  national  history  took 
place  during  the  years  1812  and  1813.  One  of  these  was  the  admission, 
in  the  course  of  the  former  year,  of  Louisiana  to  the  federal  union. 
She  was  the  eighteenth  pillar  of  the  great  national  fabric,  and  a most 


7.  What  was  done  for  the  family  of  the  carpenter  on  hoard  the  Macedonian  ? 8.  Char- 
racter  of  sailors  ? 9.  Who  succeeded  Captain  Hull  ? What  of  the  Java?  10.  Describe 
the  engagement.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  two  ships?  11.  What  passed  between  the 
American  prisoner  and  the  Chinese  ? 

Chap.  CLXIII.— 1.  What  ofLou  siana? 


RE-ELECTION  OF  MADISON. 


333 


important  one,  as  she  holds  the  keys  of  entrance,  through  the  mouth 
of  the  mighty  river  Mississippi,  to  the  richest,  if  not  the  most  extensive 
valley  in  the  world. 

2.  The  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  was 
also  incorporated  in  1812;  and  five  missionaries  were  ordained  at 
Salem  to  preach  the  gospel  at  Bom-bay',  in  Asia.  They  were  the  first 
foreign  missionaries  ever  ordained  here.  Yet  the  same  board,  in  1842, 
thirty  years  later,  sustained  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  thirty-four 
of  these  foreign  missionaries. 

3.  Yery  early  in  the  year'  1813,  the  Emperor  of  Russia  kindly 
offered  to  try  to  make  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United 
States ; and  Albert  Gallatin,  James  A.  Bayard,  and  John  Quincy 
Adams,  were  appointed  as  commissioners,  and  sent  to  Russia  to  meet 
such  commissioners  as  the  British  might  appoint,  and,  if  practicable, 
to  make  a treaty  between  the  two  countries. 

4.  The  term  for  which  Mr.  Madison  had  been  elected  president  ex- 
pired on  the  4th  of  March,  1813,  and  a strong  effort  was  made,  by  the 
party  opposed  to  the  war,  to  elect  De  Witt  Clinton  in  his  stead;  but 
they  did  not  succeed.  Mr.  Madison  was  re-elected,  and  George  Clin- 
ton was  also  re-elected  vice-president ; the  latter  died  soon  after,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Elbridge  Gerry,  of  Massachusetts. 

5.  Cotton  manufactories  began  to  flourish  this  year,  1813.  In  the 
neigliborhood  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  one  hundred  and  twenty 
thousand  spindles  were  in  operation,  consuming  six  million  pounds  of 
cotton  yearly.  About  the  end  of  the  year,  twenty  thousand  or  thirty 
thousand  spindles  were  running  at  Baltimore.  Yet,  in  1809,  not  a 
thread  of  cotton  was  spun  by  machinery  in  this  country.  At  present 
the  manufacture  of  cotton  in  the  United  States,  is  one  of  the  leading 
industrial  interests  of  the  nation. 

6.  This  year,  1813,  moreover,  was  remarkable  for  two  more  events, 
the  birth  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Intem- 
perance, which  has  led  the  way  to  so  much  good  in  the  United  States, 
and  the  death  of  him  who  may  be  justly  considered  as  the  father  of 
our  temperance  societies.  Dr.  Benjamin  Rush. 


2.  When  was  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  first  incorporated  ? What  of 
foreign  missionaries?  What  of  the  board  in  1842?  3.  What  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia? 
Who  were  sent  as  commissioners?  4.  Who  now  were  re-elected  president  and  vice-presi- 
dent? What  of  Elbridge  Gerry  ? 5.  What  of  cotton  manufactories  at  Providence?  At 
Baltimore?  6.  What  two  events  of  importance  occurred  in  1813? 


334 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED.  STATES. 


CHAPTEK  CLXIY. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Massacre  at 
Frenchtown. 

1.  We  have  seen  that  the  north-western  division  of  the  United 
States  army  was  stationed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Detroit,  and  was 
under  the  command  of  General  Harrison.  There,  too,  they  wintered, 
1812-13.  General  Harrison’s  plan  was  to  collect  a sufficient  force  in 
that  region,  and,  as  soon  as  he  could,  retake  Detroit,  and  the  other  forts 
and  places  which  General  Hull  had  so  unwisely  surrendered. 

2.  Early  in  January,  news  came  from  the  Americans  at  Frenchtown, 
a place  twenty-six  miles  from  Detroit,  that  the  British  and  Indians  were 
coming  against  them. ; praying,  at  the  same  time,  for  assistance.  General 
Winchester,  with  eight  hundred  men,  marched  thither,  and  succeeded 
in  driving  away  the  British  and  Indians,  who  had  already  arrived,  but 
was,  in  his  turn,  driven  away  by  the  British,  on  the  23d  inst.,  and  him- 
self and  five  hundred  men  taken  prisoners. 

3.  Their  surrender  was  followed  by  a scene  almost  too  shocking  to 
describe.  General  Proctor,  the  British  commander,  had  pledged  his 
honor  that  the  lives  and  private  property  of  the  American  soldiers 
should  be  respected  after  the  surrender.  But,  instead  of  this,  the  dead 
were  stripped  and  scalped,  by  the  Indian  allies  of  the  British — the 
wounded,  such  as  were  unable  to  rise,  butchered,  and  the  living 
stripped  and  plundered,  and  many  of  them  tomahawked,  or  only  re- 
served to  be  roasted  at  the  stake.  Few  of  them  lived  to  be  exchanged. 

4.  It  is  maintained  by  some  that  General  Proctor  could  not  have 
prevented  these  barbarities.  It  is  difficult,  however,  to  believe  this. 
The  bare  thought  of  such  a massacre  is  shocking,  whether  it  could 
have  been  avoided  or  not.  It  exhibits,  in  a most  striking  manner,  the 
horrors  of  war,  especially  of  Indian  warfare. 

5.  What  rendered  this  massacre  at  Frenchtown  more  affiicting  was 
the  fact  that  most  of  the  troops  were  of  the  very  fiower  of  Kentucky. 
They  were,  many  of  them,  young  men  who  had  a large  circle  of  re- 
spectable relatives.  Their  bodies  lay  in  the  fields  till  autumn,  when 
their  friends  ventured  to  collect  their  bleaching  bones  and  bury  them. 

6.  The  news  of  General  Winchester’s  defeat  reached  General  Har- 
rison while  on  his  march  to  Frenchtown  with  reinforcements.  Find- 


CiiAP.  CLXIV. — 1.  What,  was  General  Harrison’s  plan?  What  portion  of  the  army  did 
he  command?  2.  What  news  came  from  the  Americans  at  Frenchtown?  What  of 
General  Winchester  ? 3.  Describe  the  scene  after  the  surrender.  4 What  opinion  ia 
held  of  General  Proctor?  5.  What  of  the  American  troops  that  fell  at  Frenchtown  ? C. 
What  did  General  Harrison  now  do  ? 


CAPTURE  OP  YORK. 


385 


Ing  himself  too  late,  he  stopped  at  the  rapids  of  the  river  Mau-mee'  and 
bailt  a fort,  which,  in  honor  of  the  governor  of  Ohio,  he  called  Fort 
Meigs.  This  he  made,  for  the  present,  the  head-quarters  of  his  arm>\ 


CHAPTER  CLXV. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Capture  of  YorTc^ 
and  Death  of  General  Pike. 

1.  Little,  if  any  thing,  was  done,  during  the  year  1812,  to  increase 
the  naval  force  of  the  United  States,  either 
on  the  ocean  or  the  lakes.  Commodore 
Chauncey  had  indeed  been  sent  to  Lake 
Ontario,  about  the  1st  of  September,  to  fill 
up  the  Oneida,  a vessel  of  sixteen  guns,  and 
to  arm  half  a dozen  schooners,  and  thus 
form  a little  squadron.  There  had  also 
been  some  skirmishing  upon  the  lake. 

2.  The  next  spring,  General  Dearborn 
laid  a plan  to  attack  York,  in  Upper  Can- 
ada, the  great  depository  of  the  British 
military  stores.  His  troops,  amounting  to 
seventeen  hundred  men,  embarked,  about 
the  middle  of  April,  on  board  Commodore 
Chauncey ’s  vessels,  and,  on  the  25th,  they 
set  sail  for  Y^ork. 

3.  The  army  was  directed  by  General 
Pike,  a young  man  of  great  promise,  who  had  requested  the  command 
as  a favor.  They  landed  at  York  on  the  27th.  As  they  were  mov- 
ing toward  the  garrison,  a magazine  exploded,  which  the  British  had 
prepared  for  the  purpose,  and  which  mortally  wounded  General  Pike 
and  killed  about  a hundred  of  his  men. 

4.  General  Pike  did  not  die,  however,  though  his  head  was  literally 
crushed  by  the  heavy  stone  which  fell  on  it,  till  he  had  seen  the  town 
and  all  the  barracks,  and  fortifications,  and  stores,  and  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  of  the  enemy,  in  the  possession  of  his  victorious  troops.  The 
loss,  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  great  on  both  sides,  but  greatest  on 
the  side  of  the  Americans. 


Chap.  CLXV. — 1.  What  of  Commodore  Chauncey  ? 1.  What  plan  was  laid  by  Gen- 
eral Dearborn  ? 8.  How  was  the  army  directed  ? What  was  the  fate  of  General  Pilre 
and  a part  of  his  troops  ? 4.  What  did  he,  however,  live  to  see  ? Loss  on  both  sides ' 


336 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  Zebulon  M.  Pike,  who  lost  his  life  in  this  engagement,  was  a 
native  of  I'Tew  Jersey,  and  was  not  only  well  instructed,  but  rendered 
healthy  and  robust  by  active  exercise.  As  his  father  had  been  an 
officer  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  the  son  was  trained  to  military  life, 
and  was  early  made  a lieutenant  on  the  western  frontiers. 

6.  About  the  time  when  Lewis  and  Clarke  were  sent  on  an  explor- 
ing tour  up  the  Missouri,  Lieutenant  Pike,  with  twenty  men,  and  pro- 
visions for  four  months,  was  sent  up  the  Mississippi.  The  company  set 
out  August  5th,  1805.  Instead  of  four  months,  however,  they  were  ab- 
sent nine  months,  exposed  to  almost  every  danger  and  hardship.  • 

7.  Sometimes  they  were  wholly  without  food  for  several  days  to- 
gether. At  other  times,  they  slept,  without  any  covering,  upon  the  bare 
ground,  or  upon  the  snow ; for  they  were  out  all  winter,  and  the  sea- 
son was  unusually  severe.  Sometimes  they  were  obliged  to  leave  their 
boat  and  build  canoes ; and  sometimes  they  carried  their  canoes,  from 
place  to  place,  on  their  backs. 

8.  Though  sent  to  acquire  information,  they  had  no  surveyor  or 
clerk  with  them  but  Pike.  He  was,  as  he  justly  says  of  himself,  at 
once  the  commanding  officer,  clerk,  astronomer,  surveyor,  spy,  guide, 
and  hunter  of  the  party.  He  kept  his  journal  and  drew  all  his  sketches 
by  the  fire  at  night  in  the  open  air. 

9.  In  two  months  after  his  return,  he  was  sent  out  by  General 
Wilkinson  to  obtain  geographical  and  other  information  on  the  borders 
of  New  Mexico.  Again  he  was  out  the  whole  winter,  unpI* *otected. 
All  the  horses  belonging  to  the  party  died,  and  all  the  men,  except 
Pike  himself,  were  more  or  less  frozen. 

10.  But  these  were  not  all  the  trials  to  which  he  was  exposed.  Un- 
expectedly, they  found  themselves  upon  the  banks  of  the  Rio  del  Norte, 
within  the  Spanish  territory.  Here  they  were  seized  by  a band  of  Span- 
ish cavalry,  and,  what  was  worst  of  all,  Pike’s  instruments  and  papers, 
except  his  private  journal,  were  taken  from  him.  The  party  were,  how- 
ever, at  length  all  liberated,  and  in  July,  1807,  reached  Natchitoches. 

11.  Such  was  the  education,  properly  so  called,  of  this  most  inter- 
esting young  man,  who,  at  the  age  of  thirty-three,  became  a brigadier- 
general  in  the  American  army,  and,  at  thirty-four,  begged  the  favor 
of  leading  the  American  troops  in  an  attack  on  York,*  to  die,  like 
Wolfe,  before  Quebec,  in  the  moment  of  victory. 


5.  What  of  General  Pike’s  early  life  ? 6.  What  of  his  expedition  up  the  Mississippi? 
7.  Describe  the  suiferings  of  the  men.  8.  What  stations  were  held  by  Pike  ? 9.  What 
other  expedition  did  he  undertake?  10.  What  happened  to  the  party?  11.  What  was 
Pike’s  age  at  the  time  of  his  death  ? 

* York,  sometimes  called  Little  YorTc^  and  now  bearing  Its  original  Indian  name  of 
Toronto^  is  situated  on  the  north-west  shore  of  Lake  Ontario,  about  thirty  miles  north 
of  Niagara. 


SIEGE  OF  FORT  MEIGS. 


337 


12.  Fort  George,  another  strong  British  post,  in  the  vicinity  of  York, 
vvas  assailed  by  General  Bond  and  Colonel  Miller  on  the  27th  of  May, 
and,  after  a sharp  and  bloody  conflict,  was  taken,  and  with  it  six 
hundred  and  twenty-five  prisoners.  Sackett’s  Harbor  was  attacked  by 
the  British  about  this  time,  but  the  eflTort  was  unsuccessful. 


CHAPTER  CLXVI. 

Madison’s  Admin  is  i kation.  Continued.— of  Fort 
Meigs, — General  IlarrisorCs  Defence. 

1.  On  the  first  day  of  May,  1813,  General  Proctor,  with  one  thou- 
sand British  regulars  and  militia,  and  more  than  a thousand  Indians, 
laid  siege  to  Fort  Meigs,  the  head-quarters  of  the  army  under  General 
Harrison,  and  continued  the  siege,  with  great  vigor,  for  nine  days. 

2.  During  the  third  day  of  the  siege.  General  Proctor  sent  an  officer 
to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  The  forces  in  it  were  probably 
about  two  thousand.  General  Harrison’s  reply  was  not  quite  as  laconic 
as  the  very  ancient  one,  “Come  and  take  it,”  but  nearly  so.  “Not, 
sir,”  said  he  to  General  Proctor,  “ while  I have  the  honor  to  com- 
mand.” 

3.  A reinforcement  was  received  on  the  fifth  day  of  the  siege  from 
Kentucky.  It  was  a body  of  troops  under  the  command  of  General 
Clay.  Aided  by  these,  an  attack  was  made  on  the  British,  in  which 
both  parties  suffered  so  much  that  they  did  not  choose  to  renew  the 
hostilities  for  several  days.  On  the  ninth  day  the  British  gave  up  the 
siege. 

4.  Fort  Meigs  was  besieged  again  on  the  22d  of  May,  by  General 
Proctor,  but  not  for  a long  period.  The  attention  of  th^  troops  was 
soon  turned  to  Fort  Stephenson.  This  was  assailed  by  the  united 
forces  of  the  British  and  Indians  in  that  quarter,  but  was  promptly 
and  successfully  defended  by  Major  Croghan,  a young  and  accomplished 
officer.  General  Proctor,  at  his  retreat  from  Fort  Stephenson,  returned 
to  Malden. 


12.  What  of  General  Bond  and  Colonel  Miller?  Sackett’s  Harbor? 

Chap.  CLXYI.— 1.  To  what  fort  did  General  Proctor  lay  siege?  2.  Relate  the  Incident 
that  took  place  on  the  third  day  of  the  siege.  8.  What  of  General  Clay  ? Effect  of  the 
Attack  on  the  British?  4,  Who  defended  Fort  Stephenson?  What  of  General  Proctor 
after  his  retreat  ? 

29 


388 


iilSTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  CL  XVII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued.  — The  War  on 
the  Ocean, 

1 .  On  the  ocean,  in  the  year  1813,  the  United  States  were  less  for- 
tunate, especially 
during  the  first 
six  months  of  the 
year,  than-  they 
had  been  in  1812. 
The  Chesapeake 
frigate  and  the 
Argus  sloop  of 
war  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  ene- 
my, and  a portion 
of  the  navy  was 
blockaded  at 
Uew  London. 

2.  The  loss  of 
the  Chesapeake, 
of  thirty-e  i g h t 

guns,  and  commanded  by  Captain  Lawrence,  was  an  event  which  excited 
intense  interest  throughout  the  country.  He  had  put  to  sea  expecting 
that  he  should  be  obliged  to  contend  with  the  Shannon;  which  fact 
added  greatly  to  the  mortification  of  defeat. 

3.  He  left  the  port  of  Boston,  in  pursuit  of  the  Shannon,  about  noon 
on  the  1st  of  June.  The  contest  began  about  half-past  five  in  the  after- 
noon, and  lasted  about  fifteen  minutes.  The  battle  was  uncommonly 
bloody.  Both  ships,  it  is  said,  were  like  charnel  houses. 

4.  Captain  Lawrence  was  first  wounded  in  the  leg,  and  afterward 
shot  through  the  body.  Yet  even  then  he  was  unwilling  to  yield  the 
palm  to  the  British,  but,  as  he  was  being  carried  below,  said  sternly, 
‘‘ Don’t  give  up  the  ship.”  Yet  it  was  unavoidable.  The  British  had 
already  boarded  the  Chesapeake,  and  the  resistance  made  to  them  was 
momentary. 

5.  In  this  terrible  conflict,  the  Americans  had  sixty -two  killed  and 
eighty-four  wounded,  and  the  British  twenty-eight  killed  and  fifty- 


Chap.  CLXVII. — 1.  What  of  the  United  States  navy  in  1813?  2.  Who  commanded  the 
Chesapeake?  What  expectation  had  Captain  Lawrence?  3 Describe  the  action  be- 
tween the  Chesapeake  and  Shannon.  4.  What  of  Captain  Lawrence?  Whnt  \yords  did 
he  use  when  carried  below  ? 


DEATH  OF  LAWRENCE. 


THE  WAR  ON  THE  OCEAN. 


339 


eight  wounded.  When  the  battle  was  over,  both  vessels  sailed  for 
Halifax,  where  Captain  Lawrence,  after  suffering  the  most  intense 
anguish  for  five  or  six  days,  expired. 

6.  Captain  Lawrence  was  thirty-two  years  of  age,  and  much  beloved. 
As  a proof  of  the  attachment  of  his  younger  officers  to  him,  the  fol- 
lowing anecdote  is  related.  The  midshipmen  of  one  of  our  squadrons 
gave  a dinner  to  Commodore  Rodgers  one  day,  at  which  it  was  pro- 
posed not  to  ask  any  lieutenant.  “ What,  not  Mr.  Lawrence  ?”  said 
one.  It  was  decided  immediately  to  have  Lawrence  present ; but  no 
other  lieutenant  was  there. 

7.  The  unexpected  issue  of  this  battle  may  have  been  owing,  in  part, 
to  the  neglect  of  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  pay  the  men  their  prize- 
money.  The  Chesapeake  had  been  cruising,  and  had  taken  prizes,  and 
the  men  had  not  been  paid  their  share ; and,  though  some  sort  of  an 
apology  had  been  made,  many  were  not  satisfied. 

8.  Among  the  disaffected  ones  was  the  boatswain’s  mate.  When 
the  British  boarded  the  Chesapeake,  this  man  quitted  his  post  and  ran 
below,  leaving  the  gratings  open,  so  that  the  men  readily  followed  his 
example.  When  the  officers  attempted  to  rally  their  men  to  repel  the 
enemy,  they  could  not  find  them.  The  boatswain’s  mate  was  heard 
to  say,  as  he  retreated,  “ So  much  for  not  having  paid  men  their  prize- 
money.” 

• 9.  A battle  was  fought  on  the  22d  of  June  of  this  year,  1813,  at 
Craney  Island,  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  between  a large  British  fleet, 
which  was  cruising  there,  under  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith  and  Admiral 
Warren,  and  some  American  officers  and  sailors  of  the  navy  with  a 
body  of  Virginia  militia.  The  British  were  defeated,  with  a very 
heavy  loss. 

10.  In  less  than  two  months  after  the  capture  of  the  Chesapeake,  the 
American  navy  experienced  another  reverse  of  fortune  in  the  loss  of 
the  Argus,  of  eighteen  guns.  She  was  captured  by  the  Pelican,  of 
twenty  guns,  after  a hard-fought  battle,  in  which  her  first  officer  and 
five  men  fell,  and  sixteen  were  wounded. 

11.  The  Argus  had  been  out  to  France,  to  carry  Mr.  Crawford,  our 
minister,  and  was  on  her  return.  She  had  taken  quite  a number  of 
prizes  on  the  very  coast  of  Great  Britain,  and  so  much  annoyed  the 
enemy  that  several  vessels  had  been  sent  out  in  search  of  her.  Among 
these  was  the  successful  Pelican. 


5.  What  was  the  loss  of  the  contending  parties?  Where  did  the  ships  go  after  the 
battle  ? 6.  Give  the  anecdote  of  Lawrence  and  the  dinner.  7.  To  what  was  the  issue  of 
this  contest  owing?  8.  What  wiis  done  by  the  boatswain’s  mate?  9.  What  battle  was 
fought  on  the  22d  of  June?  10.  What  of  the  engagement  between  the  Argus  and  the 
Pelican  ? 11.  Describe  the  cruise  of  the  Argus. 


340 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


12.  But  the  tide  of  victory  at  length  began  to  turn.  On  the  5th  of 
September,  the  Enterprise  took  the  British  brig  Boxer,  after  a hard- 
fought  battle  of  half  an  hour,  in  which  she  lost  but  one  man,  her  com- 
mander, Lieutenant  Burrows ; while  the  loss  of  the  British  was  consid- 
erable, including,  also,  her  commander.  Captain  Blythe.  A still  more 
important  triumph  of  the  American  navy  was  at  hand. 


CHAPTER  CLXYIII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Battle  on  Lake 

Erie, 

1.  A SMALL  American  fleet  had  been  collected  on  Lake  Erie  during  the 

year  1813,  consisting  of  nine  ves- 
sels, carrying,  in  the  whole,  fifty- 
five  guns,  and  placed  in  the  care  of 
Commodore  Oliver  H.  Perry.  Fol- 
lowing our  example,  as  they  had 
also  done  on  Lake  Ontario,  the 
British  had  their  little  fieet  to  op- 
pose it,  consisting  of  six  vessels  and 
sixty-three  guns. 

2.  These  fieets,  after  some  skir- 
mishing, came  at  length  to  close 
action.  It  was  the  10th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1813.  The  battle  was  severe, 
and  it  was  for  a long  time  difficult 
to  guess  at  the  result.  At  length 
the  British  seemed  to  have  the  ad- 
vantage. The  I^awrence,  the  Amer- 
ican commodore’s  own  vessel,  became  so  crippled  as  to  be  almost  un- 
manageable. 

. 3.  At  this  critical  moment.  Commodore  Perry  abandoned  his  own 
vessel,  and  went,  in  a boat,  on  board  the  Niagara,  his  second  ship, 
commanded  by  Captain  Elliot.  Before  this,  the  firing  had  almost 
ceased,  and  the  British  commander.  Captain  Barclay,  counting  on 
certain  victory,  though  he  was  himself  wounded,  would  not  have  given, 
as  he  said  afterward,  a sixpence  for  the  whole  American  fieet. 

4.  But  the  scene  now  changed.  The  battle  waxed  hot  again,  and^ 


12.  What  of  the  action  between  the  brig  Boxer  and  the  Enterprise  ? 

Chap.  CLXVIII. — 1.  What  fleet  was  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Perry?  What 
fleet  had  the  British  on  Lake  Erie  ? 2.  What  of  the  skirmishing  and  the  battle  ? 8.  What 
w::8  done  by  Commodore  Perry  ? What  did  the  British  Captain  Barclay  suppose? 


BATTLE  AT  THE  MORAVIAN  TOWNS. 


341 


in  about  four  hours  after  its  first  commencement,  the  British  fieet  sur  - 
rendered  to  the  American.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  twenty- 
seven  killed  and  ninety-six  wounded ; that  of  the  British  was  some- 
what greater,  besides  the  prisoners. 

5.  Commodore  Perry  wrote  to  General  Harrison  immediately  after 
the  battle,  and  also  to  the  war  department.  In  both  instances  he  was 
as  modest  as  he  was  laconic.  To  General  Harrison  he  only  said,  “We 
have  met  the  enemy,  and  they  are  ours.  Two  ships,  two  brigs,  one 
schooner,  and  one  sloop.”  To  the  secretary  of  war  he  said  little  more, 
except  to  refer  to  the  good  providence  of  God. 

6.  The  commodore  has  been  much  censured  for  hazarding  his  life, 
in  going  from  the  Lawrence  to  the  Niagara,  in  a small  boat,  in  the 
midst  of  shot  thick  as  hail.  But  we  must  remember  that  the  Lawrence 
was  useless ; that  there  was  danger  everywhere ; and  that  it  was  thought 
better  to  act,  than  to  stand  still  and  be  shot  down  without  an  elfort. 

7.  Had  he  been  killed  in  the  attempt,  and  had  the  battle  been  lost, 
he  would,  no  doubt,  have  been  as  much  blamed  by  the  world  as  he 
has  been  commended.  Honors  are  not  always  apportioned  to  true 
desert.  The  fortunate  are  very  apt  to  be  regarded  as  the  truly 
brave,  and  the  unfortunate,  whatever  may  be  their  real  merit,  are 
often  overlooked  or  forgotten. 


CHAPTEE  CLXIX. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Battle  at  the 
Moravian  Towns, 

1.  Though  the  Americans  had  now  the  command  of  Lake  Erie,  and 
the  whole  British  coast  below,  as  far  down  as  Fort  George,  yet  Gen- 
eral Proctor  was  in  possession  of  most  of  the  forts  and  places  above, 
which  had  been  relinquished  by  Hull.  But  he  was  at  length  growing 
fearful  of  his  opponents,  and,  as  the  result  seems  to  have  shown,  not 
without  good  I’eason. 

2.  Governor  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  with  four  thousand  militia,  hav- 
ing joined  the  army  under  General  Harrison,  it  was  thought  best  to 
make  an  attack  on  Detroit  and  the  other  posts  in  that  neighborhood. 
With  this  view,  the  troops,  on  the  27th  of  September,  went  on  board 
the  American  fleet,  and  the  same  day  were  landed  at  Malden. 


4.  Refiult  of  the  battle?  Number  of  killed  and  wounded?  5.  What  account  did  Com- 
modore Perry  give  of  the  engagement?  6.  For  what  has  he  been  censured?  7.  What 
can  you  say  of  honors  ? 

Chap.  CLXIX. — 1.  What  positions  were  by  held  the  Americans  and  British?  2 Who 
had  joined  the  army  under  Harrist)n  ? What  attack  was  meditated  ? 

29* 


342 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


3.  This  place  was  on  the  British  side,  opposite  Detroit,  hut  rather 

below.  Here  they  expected  to 
find  troops  and  store-houses. 
To  their  surprise,  however,  the 
British  had  burned  the  fort 
and  all  their  stores,  and  made 
good  their  retreat  into  the  in^ 
terior,  before  their  arrival. 

4.  The  next  day,  the  army 
crossed  the  river,  and,  on  the 
29th,  took  possession  of  De- 
troit without  opposition.  On 
tlie  2d  of  October,  Harrison 
and  Shelby,  with  three  thou- 
sand five  hundred  picked  men, 
recrossed  the  river  and  pur- 
sued General  Proctor.  They 
found  him  encamped  at  the 
Moravian  Towns,  as  they  were 
called,  on  the  river  Thames, 
.eighty-six  miles  north-east- 
ward of  Detroit. 

5.  Here,  on  the  5th  of  Oc- 
tober, was  fought  a most 
severe  battle.  But  the  Brit- 
ish force,  though  large,  was  not  equal  to  ours,  and  the  Indians  did  not 
persevere.  Their  chief,  the  celebrated  Te-cum'-seh,  having  fallen,  they 
fled.  They  were  soon  followed  by  General  Proctor  and  about  two 
hundred  men ; and  the  rest  of  the  army,  with  all  their  cannon,  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

6.  The  British  army  lost,  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  about 
seven  hundred  men.  About  one  hundred  and  twenty  Indians  were 
slain.  The  American  loss,  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  fifty.  Our 
army  took  six  brass  cannon  which  Hull  had  surrendered,  on  two  of 
which  were  inscribed  the  following  words  : ‘‘Surrendered  by  Burgoyiie, 
at  Saratoga.” 

7.  Tecumseh,  the  chief  who  fell,  was  of  the  Shawanese  tribe,  and 
was  a remarkable  man.  In  early  life,  it  is  said,  he  was  not  distin- 
guished as  a warrior,  but  was  rather  cowardly.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 


3.  What  had  the  British  done?  4.  What  was  accomplished  by  the  Americans  without 
opposition  ? Where  had  General  Proctor  encamped  ? 5.  Describe  the  battle  of  the  5th 

of  October.  What  celebrated  Indian  chiet  was  killed  ? 6,  Wliat  was  the  loss  on  both 

sides?  Describe  the  six  cannon.  7.  What  was  the  character  of  Tecumseh  ? 


THE  WAR  IN  CANADA. 


343 


6ve  he  had  not  only  retrieved  his  character^  but  had  become  the  boldest 
of  his  tribe. 

8.  He  was  brother  to  the  Shawanese  chief  called  the  Prophet,  whose 
men  General  Harrison  defeated  in  the  battle  of  Tii)pecanoe ; but,  at 
the  time  of  that  conflict,  he  was  absent.  When  the  war  of  1812  com- 
menced, he  was  made  a brigadier-general  in  the  British  army,  and  he 
continued  to  fight  for  his  royal  masters  till  his  death. 

9.  Tecumseh  was  distinguished,  through  life,  for  truth  and  tem- 
perance, as  well  as  for  his  disregard  of  all  external  marks  of  office 
or  rank.  When  he  was  made  a general,  a sash  was  given  him,  but  he 
returned  it  with  every  manifestation  of  contempt.  He  was  truly  a 
savage;  he  neither  gave  nor  accepted  quarter  in  war;  though  else- 
where he  was  generous,  disinterested,  hospitable  and  humane. 

10.  He  was  greatly  distinguished  for  his  eloquence.  His  speeches, 
it  is  said,  might  bear  a comparison  with  those  of  the  most  celebrated 
orators  of  Greece  and  Rome,  though  this  was  doubtless  an  exaggera- 
tion. He  was  about  five  feet  and  ten  inches  in  height,  and  beautifully 
formed.  Tecumseh  was,  in  truth,  a man  of  remarkable  endowments, 
and,  with  the  advantages  of  civilization,  might  have  attained  an  en- 
viable fame. 


CHAPTER  CLXX. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Progress  of  the 
War  in  Canada. 

1.  The  war  being  ended  in  the  north-west.  General  Harrison  left 
General  Cass  at  Detroit,  with  one  thousand  men,  and  repaired  to 
Buffalo,  to  join  General  Wilkinson,  who  had,  just  before  this  time,  suc- 
ceeded in  the  chief  command  to  General  Dearborn.  The  great  object 
of  the  army  now  was  to  take  Kingston  and  Montreal, 

2.  The  army  consisted  of  five  thousand  troops  at  Fort  George,  two 
thousand  at  SacketPs  Harbor,  and  four  thousand  at  Lake  Champlain ; 
making,  in  all,  eleven  thous^ind  men : in  addition  to  which,  a consid- 
erable body  was  every  day  expected  to  arrive  under  General  Harrison. 
Beside  all  this,  the  fleet,  under  Commodore  Chauncey,  held  itself  in 
readiness  to  co-operate  with  the  army, 

8.  The  secretary  of  war,  General  Armstrong,  arrived  at  SacketPs 


8.  What  office  did  he  hold  in  the  British  army?  9.  How  was  Tecumseh  distinguished? 
What  of  him  in  war  ? In  peace  ? 10.  What  of  his  eloquence  ? His  speeches?  Personal 
appearance  ? 

Chap.  CLXX. — 1.  What  did  G-cneral  Har.isondo?  What  was  now  the  great  object 
of  the  American  commanders?  2.  Of  what  did  the  army  consist?  3 What  of  General 
Armstrong  ? What  was  now  done  by  the  army  ? 


344 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Harbor,  early  in  September.  The  plan  of  attacking  Kingston  was 
given  np,  and  the  army  was  ordered  to  proceed  at  once  to  Montreal, 
chiefly  by  marching  a distance  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles.  They 
left  Sackett’s  Harbor  September  80th. 

4.  They  were  delayed  as  they  passed  along,  in  various  ways,  espe^ 
cially  by  the  attacks  of  small  parties  of  the  British  on  the  Canada 
shore ; and  at  Williamsburg  a severe  contest  ensued.  General  Boyd 
commanded  in  this  battle,  General  Wilkinson  being  indisposed.  Both 
parties  may  be  said  to  have  been  beaten,  for  both  retreated  wdth  great 
loss. 

5.  Difficulties  arose  about  this  time  among  the  American  officers, 
especially  between  General  Wilkinson  and  General  Hampton.  The 
troops  of  General  Harrison,  moreover,  from  some  cause  or  other,  did 
not  arrive.  A council  of  war  was  held,  at  the  request  of  General 
Wilkinson,  at  which  it  was  decided  to  give  up  the  expedition  for  that 
season,  and  go  into  winter-quarters. 

6.  The  place  selected  for  this  purpose  was  called  French  Mills,  more 
than  a hundred  miles  from  Sackett’s  Harbor,  and  fifty  or  sixty  from 
Plattsburg.  Here  they  remained  till  February,  when,  two  thou- 
sand of  them  having  been  detached  and  sent  to  the  Niagara  frontier, 
the  remainder,  after  having  destroyed  their  barracks,  proceeded  to 
Plattsburg* 


CHAPTEE  OLXXL 

Madison’s  Administration^  Continued.  — War  with  the 
Creeh  Indians. 

1.  SoAECELY  had  the  northern  anny  gone  into  winter-quarters  at 
French  Mills,  when  the  public  mind  became  directed  to  a war  which 
had  broken  out  with  the  Creek  Indians.  The  Creeks  appear  to  have 
led  the  way  in  this  strife,  by  their  seizure  of  Fort  Mimms,  and  the 
massacre  of  three  hundred  men  and  women,  who  had  fled  to  it  for 
safety.  This  sad  event  occurred  August  30th. 

2.  News  of  this  murder  having  been  received,  two  thousand  men 
from  Tennessee,  under  the  command  of  Major-General  Jackson,  and 
five  hundred  under  General  Coffee,  were  ordered  out  against  them. 
The  Creeks  were  defeated  at  Tal-lus-hatch'-es,  Tal-la-de'-ga,  Au-tos'-se, 


4.  How  were  they  delayed?  What  was  the  result  of  the  "battle  at  Williamsburg-? 
5.  What  was  determined  upon  ? 6.  Where  were  their  winter-quarters  ? What  divisiou 
was  made  of  the  troops? 

Chap.  CLXXI. — 1.  What  outrages  had  the  Creek  Indians  committed?  What  troops 
went  against  them  ? 2.  Where  were  the  Indians  defeated  ? 


WAR  WITH  THE  CREEKS, 


345 


E-muc-fau',  and  several  other  places,  though  not  without  severe  loss 
on  the  part  of  the  Americans. 

8.  Still  they  were  by  no  means  subdued.  They  erected  a breast- 
work at  a place  called  the  Horse-Shoe  Bend,  on  the  Tal-la-poo'-sa 
River,  and  posted  a hundred  men  there.  Here  they  held  out  for  some 
time.  At  last  it  was  determined  to  dislodge  them.  The  scattered 
forces  of  the  country,  with  General  Jackson  at  their  head,  were  at 
length  before  their  fort. 

4.  The  attack  was  made  on  the  27th  of  March,  1814.  General  Jack^ 
son  assailed  the  fort,  while  General  Coffee  attacked  a village  near  by, 
to  drive  the  inhabitants  to  the  fortifications.  As  soon  as  they  were  all 
fairly  within  them.  General  Jackson  led  his  forces  on,  with  fixed 
bayonets,  to  the  breastwork,  where  they  fought  the  Indians  for  some 
time  through  the  portholes. 

5.  At  length,  however,  the  soldiers  scaled  the  breastwork,  and 
pursued  the  work  of  death  within  the  fort.  The  contest  here  became 
terrible.  The  Indians  who  survived  escaped,  but  not  till  the  ground 
was  covered  with  dead  bodies.  Three  hundred  women  and  children 
were  taken  prisoners.  The  number  who  perished  did  not  fall  much 
short  of  six  hundred. 

6.  Thus  terminated  the  struggle.  A treaty  was  made  with  the  Creeks 
by  General  Jackson  on  the  9th  of  August,  by  which  they  agreed  to 
give  up  a portion  of  their  territory  to  the  whites,  to  pay  the  expenses 
of  the  war_  to  allow  roads  to  be  cut  through  their  lands,  to  permit  the 
free  navigation  of  their  rivers,  and  to  take  no  more  bribes  of  the 
British. 

7.  The  following  is  the  speech  of  Weatherford,  their  leader,  at  th^ 
treaty : “ I am  in  your  power.  Do  with  me  what  you  please.  I have 
done  the  white  people  all  the  harm  I could.  I have  fought  them,  and 
fought  them  bravely.  There  was  a time  when  I had  a choice ; I have 
none  now  ; even  hope  is  ended.  Once  I could  animate  my  warriors ; 
but  I cannot  animate  the  dead.  They  can  no  longer  hear  my  voice ; 
their  bones  are  at  Tallushatches,  Talladega,  Emucfau,  and  To-ho- 
pe'-ka.” 


3.  Where  did  they  intrench  themselves?  4.  Describe  the  attack  by  Gen^^ral  Jackson. 

6 Describe  the  contest  within  the  fort,  6.  What  treaty  was  made  with  the  Indians? 

7 Repeat  the  speech  of  W eatherford,  the  leader  of  the  Creeks. 


346 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CLXXII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Russian  Medi- 
ation offered, — Measures  for  prosecuting  the  War, 

1.  The  offer  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia  to  mediate  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain,  had  not  been  accepted  by  the  latter, 
but  it  was  proposed  to  negotiate  without  any  foreign  interference. 
This  proposal  was  at  once  approved  by  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  commissioners  were  appointed,  on  both  sides,  to  meet  at 
Got'-ten-burg.  The  place  of  meeting,  however,  was  afterward  changed 
to  Ghent,  in  Flanders,  a part  of  Belgium. 

2.  They  did  not  assemble  till  August,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  the 
war,  which  has  been  mentioned,  with  the  Creeks,  had  been  prosecuted, 
and  many  more  battles  fought  by  land  and  by  sea.  Congress  had  also 
held  two  sessions — the  regular  session  of  the  winter  and  an  extra  ses- 
sion, which  commenced  in  May,  1814,  and  continued  to  August. 

3.  At  these  meetings  of  Congress,  provision  had  been  made  for 
raising  men  and  money,  and  especially  for  strengthening  the  navy, 
protecting  our  commerce,  and  regulating  the  revenue.  The  treasury 
was  rather  empty,  and  an  expensive  war  could  not  be  conducted,  on  a 
frontier  thousands  of  miles  in  extent,  and  on  the  ocean  too,  without 
a large  amount  of  money. 

4.  Among  the  measures  which  had  been  adopted  in  the  winter  of 
181 3-’ 14,  was  the  laying  of  an  embargo.  This,  however,  was  repealed 
the  next  April.  The  extra  session  of  1814  was  chiefly  spent  in  devis- 
ing means  for  replenishing  the  treasury ; for,  though  the  offer  of  a 
bounty  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-four  dollars  to  every  soldier  who 
would  enlist  for  flve  years,  or  during  the  war,  had  procured  men,  yet 
these  men  must  be  paid. 

5.  A system  of  internal  or  domestic  taxation  was  at  length  resolved 
on,  and  laws  were  passed  laying  taxes  on  lands,  houses,  carriages,  dis- 
tilled liquors,  reflned  sugars,  retailers’  licenses,  etc.  In  addition  to  the 
flve  millions  and  a half  of  dollars  which  it  was  expected  would  be 
raised  in  this  way,  it  was  decided  to  borrow  seven  millions  and  a half 
more. 

6.  One  additional  measure  was  adopted,  which  met  with  some  op- 
position on  account  of  the  expense.  This  was  the  construction  of  one 

Chap,  CLXXII. — 1.  What  proposal  was  made  by  the  Emperor  of  Russia  ? What  did 
Great  Britain  propose?  Whiit  of  the  commissioners?  2.  When  did  they  assemble? 
What  of  Congress  ? 3.  What  provision  had  been  made  by  Congress  ? What  was  the 
state  of  the  treasury?  4.  How  was  the  entire  session  of  Congress  in  1814  spent?  5. 
What  taxes  were  laid  ? What  money  was  to  be  borrowed  ? 6 For  what  project  was  half 
a million  of  dollars  raised  ? 


THE  WAR  ON  THE  OCEAN. 


347 


or  more  steam  batteries,  to  be  employed  in.  the  defence  of  our  ports, 
rather  than  in  carrying  on  the  war  at  sea.  For  this  object,  half  a mil- 
lion of  dollars  was  appropriated. 

7.  It  should  not  be  forgotten  that  the  party,  in  the  United  States, 
who  had  always  been  opposed  to  the  war,  continued  their  opposition. 
They  even  charged  the  government  party  with  being  influenced  by  an 
undue  attachment  to  the  French ; in  proof  of  which  they  cited  the 
fact  that  war  was  declared  just  at  the  time  when  the  forces  of  Britain 
were  most  needed  in  Europe  to  repel  the  ambitious  projects  of 
^N'apoleon. 


CHAPTEE  CLXXII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued,  — The  War  on 
the  Ocean, 

1.  The  spring  of  1814  opened  with  the  loss  of  the  United  States 
frigate  Essex,  of  thirty -two  guns,  Commodore  Porter,  in  the  bay  of 
Val-pa-rai'-so,  in  Chil'-i.  The  Essex  had  been  cruising  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean  a long  time,  and  had  taken  many  prizes,  and,  though  she  had 
run  into  a neutral  port,  the  British  were  determined  not  to  spare  her. 

2.  She  was  attacked  on  the  28th  of  March  by  a force  greatly  superior 
to  her  own,  consisting  of  the  British  frigate  Phoebe,  of  thirty-six  guns, 
und  a sloop  of  war  called  the  Cherub,  of  eighteen  guns.  The  con- 
test was  long  and  severe,  and  the  loss  of  the  Essex  was  very  great, 
amounting  to  above  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  killed  and  wounded. 
Both  vessels  were  much  injured;  the  Phoebe  could  hardly  be  kept 
from  sinking  immediately. 

3.  On  the  29th  of  April,  the  United  States  sloop  of  war  Peacock, 
commanded  by  Captain,  afterward  Commodore,  Warrington,  while  off 
the  coast  of  Florida,  fell  in  with  and  captured  the  British  brig  Epervier, 
of  eighteen  guns.  The  battle  lasted  forty -five  minutes.  The  British 
had  eighteen  killed  and  thirteen  wounded ; the  Americans  had  only 
two  wounded. 

4.  The  United  States  sloop  Wasp,  also  of  eighteen  guns,  took  the 
British  sloop  of  war  Reindeer,  of  eighteen  guns.  The  loss  was  con- 
siderable on  both  sides.  The  action  lasted  twenty-eight  minutes.  It 
was  fought  near  the  coast  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  Reindeer  was  de- 
stroyed to  prevent  a recapture. 


T.  What  of  the  party  opposed  to  the  war  ? 

Chap.  CLXXIII. — 1.  What  ship  was  lost  by  the  Americans  in  1S14?  2 Describe  the 
capture  of  the  Essex  3.  What  passed  between  the  Peacock  and  the  Epervier?  4 Whai 
naval  action  was  there_bn  the  coast  of  Creat  Britain  ? 


348 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


5.  But  the  Wasp  had  not  yet  completed  her  work.  Besides  making 
a number  of  prizes  on  the  coast  of  Great  Britain  and  France,  she  fell 
in  with  the  British  sloop  Avon,  on  the  1st  of  September,  and,  after  a 
running  fight  of  several  hours,  captured  her.  She  ’was  ordered  to 
America,  but  was  lost  on  her  passage. 

6.  Important  additions  having  been  made,  early  this  year,  to  the  fleet 
on  Lake  Ontario,  Commodore  Chauncey  was  able  to  render  very  efii- 
cient  aid  to  the  army  on  the  frontier,  in  its  operations,  and  to  watch 
the  movements  of  the  British  forces,  both  on  the  land  and  on  the  lake. 
There  was,  however,  no  considerable  action  between  the  two  fleets. 

7.  A British  fleet  had  for  some  tiihe  past  held  the  port  of  ISTew 
London,  in  Connecticut,  in  a state  of  blockade,  having,  early  in  June, 
chased  three  of  our  ships  of  war,  the  United  States,  the  Macedonian, 
and  the  Hornet,  up  the  river.  On  the  11th  of  August,  some  of  the 
British  vessels,  under  Commodore  Hardy,  proceeded  to  bombard  Ston- 
ington,  but  were  gallantly  repulsed  with  considerable  loss. 


CHAPTER  CLXXIV. 

Madison^s  Adjministration,  Continued.  — Defeat  of  Gen- 
eral Wilkinson. — His  Trial  hy  Court-Martial. 

1.  Eakly  in  the  spring  of  1814,  a detachment  of  two  thousand 
British  soldiers  had  been  ordered  to  post  themselves  near  the  river 
Sorel,  to  prevent  General  Wilkinson,  who  was  still  at  Plattsburg,  from 
advancing  on  Canada.  The  spot  which  they  fortified  was  within  the 
British  lines. 

2.  When  General  Wilkinson  heard  of  this  movement,  he  marched, 
at  the  head  of  four  thousand  men,  and  on  the  31st  of  March,  attacked 
their  works.  Finding  their  fortifications  much  stronger  than  he  ex- 
pected, he  at  length  retreated ; but  not  till  he  had  lost,  in  killed  and 
wounded,  about  one  hundred  and  forty  men. 

3.  General  Wilkinson  was  tried,  some  time  afterward,  for  his  con- 
duct on  this  and  other  occasions,  by  a court-martial,  which  convened 
at  Troy,  in  the  state  of  Hew  Y^ork.  He  was  at  length  acquitted,  though 
not  until  facts  had  been  developed,  in  regard  to  his  character,  which 
are  not  easily  or  readily  forgotten. 

4.  One  conspicuous  fault  in  his  character  appears  to  have  existed ; 


5.  What  prize  was  taken  by  the  Wasp  ? 6.  What  was  done  by  Commodore  Chauncey  ? 

7.  What  had  the  British  done  ? What  of  Commodore  Hardy  and  the  attack  on  Ston- 
ington  ? 

Chap.  CLXXIV. — 1.  Where  was  a British  detachment  posted  early  in  1814?  2.  What 
liid  General- Wilkinson  do  ? 3.  For  what  was  he  tried? 


BATTLE  OF  CHIPPEWA. 


349 


a fault  of  which  many  a brave  man  has,  unhappily,  been  found  guilty. 
In  one  action  at  the  north,  when  he  was  unable  to  command,  and 
pleaded  illness  as  an  excuse,  it  turned  out  that  he  was  at  a house  in 
the  neighborhood,  in  a state  of  intoxication  ! 

5.  During  the  months  of  April,  May  and  June,  there  was  little 
fighting  either  on  the  sea-coast  or  the  Canadian  frontier.  One  reason 
for  this  was  doubtless  that  Great  Britain  was  at  this  time  deeply  en- 
gaged in  the  European  war,  contending  against  the  armies  of  Napo- 
leon. But  no  sooner  had  the  latter  been  overthrown  by  the  Allied 
Powers,  than  the  British  were  at  liberty  to  pour  their  thousands  upon 
America.  No  less  than  fourteen  thousand  of  the  troops  which  had 
fought  under  Wellington  were  speedily  let  loose,  upon  our  northern 
frontier,  through  Canada. 


CHAPTER  CLXXY. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  War  at  the 
North-  West. — Battles  of  Chippewa  and  Bridgewater. — 
Siege  of  Fort  Erie. 

1.  About  the  1st  of  July,  General  Brown  crossed  the  Niagara  River 
near  Buflfalo,  and  took  possession  of  Fort  Erie  without  opposition. 
Meanwhile,  a large  number  of  the  British  forces  had  advanced  as  far 
up  the  river  as  Chip'-pe-wa,  a few  miles  lower  down  than  Fort  Erie, 
where  they  were  strongly  intrenched,  under  General  Riall. 

2.  The  troops  of  General  Brown  were  among  the  best  in  the  Ameri- 
can army,  and  amounted  to  about  three  thousand  five  hundred.  The 
British  army  was  nearly  equal  in  point  of  numbers,  and  was  equally 
well  selected.  On  the  4th  of  July,  General  Brown  advanced  to  Chip- 
pewa, and  on  the  5th  the  two  armies  met  in  the  open  field. 

3.  This  battle  was  exceedingly  obstinate  and  bloody.  The  Ameri- 
cans were,  it  is  true,  the  victors,  but  they  paid  dearly  for  the  victory. 
They  lost  more  than  three  hundred  men.  The  loss  of  the  British  ex- 
ceeded five  hundred.  They  were,  moreover,  obliged  to  quit  the  field, 
and  retreat  down  the  river  to  Burlington  Heights. 

4.  Here  they  were  reinforced  by  General  Drummond,  who  took  the 
command,  and  led  the  army  back  toward  the  American  camp.  On 


4.  What  great  fault  had  he  ? 5.  How  was  Great  Britain  occupied  ? What  happened 
upon  Napoleon’s  fall  ? 

Chap.  CLXXV.—l.  Where  did  General  Brown  go  about  the  1st  of  July?  Where  had 
the  British  intrenched  themselves  ? 2.  What  of  the  troops  of  General  Brown  ? What 
of  the  British  army?  General  Brown  ? 3.  Describe  the  battle  of  Chippewa. 

ao 


350 


HiSTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


GENERAL  SCOTT. 


the  25th  July,  they  met  at  Bridgewater,  nearly  opposite  the  falls  of 
the  Niagara,  and  within  the  sound  of  the  cataract — and  one  of  the 
most  obstinate  battles  took  place  which  was  ever  fought  in  America. 

5.  The  contest  lasted  from  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  until  mid- 
night, when  the  British  retreated.  As  soon  as  they  had  departed,  the 
Americans  retired  to  their  encampment,  but  not  being  able  to  remove 
the  artillery  they  had  taken  from  the  enemy,  the  latter  returned  and 
seized  it,  and  claimed  the  victory. 

6.  Neither  side,  however,  had  much  reason  to  be  proud  of  the  re- 
sults of  the  day.  The  Americans,  with  only  three  or  four  thousand 
men,  had  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  eight  hundred  and  sixty,  and 
the  British,  with  about  five  thousand  men,  eight  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight. 

7.  This  engagement  is  often  called  the  Battle  of  Lundy'' 8 Lane^  from 
the  name  of  a narrow  road  in  which  it  was  fought.  General  Scott  led 
the  advance,  and  displayed  in  a remarkable  manner,  the  military 

4.  What  of  the  battle  of  Bridgewater  ? 5.  Who  won  the  battle  ? Which  party  claimed 
the  victory  ? 6.  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  ? 7.  What  is  the  battle  of  Bridgewater 

often  called?  What  of  General  Scott;  General  Jessup  ? The  principal  generals  on  both 
sides  ? General  Eiall  ? 


SIEGE  OF  FORT  ERIE. 


851 


qualities  of  skill  and  courage  for  which  he  afterwards  became  so  dis- 
tinguished. Major  Jessup,  since  General  Jessup,  also  acquired  dis- 
tinction. The  fierceness  of  the  fight  may  be  inferred,  not  only  from 
the  number  of  men  killed  and  wounded,  but  from  the  fact  that  the 
principal  generals  on  both  sides  were  wounded.  The  British  General 
Riall  was  taken  prisoner. 

8.  The  American  forces  were  now  greatly  reduced,  and,  as  there 
was  no  prospect  of  an  immediate  reinforcement,  they  retreated  up  the 
river  to  Fort  Erie,  where  they  made  a stand.  General  Drummond 
followed  them,  and,  on  the  4th  of  August,  commenced  a siege.  The  - 
fort  was,  at  first,  commanded  by  General  Ripley,  but  subsequently  by 
General  Gaines. 

9.  The  siege  continued  to  be  prosecuted  with  great  vigor.  On  the 
15th  of  August  a large  British  force  advanced  against  the  fort,  in  three 
columns.  Tliey  were,  however,  repulsed,  with  the  loss  of  fifty-seven 
killed,  three  hundred  and  nineteen  wounded,  and  five  hundred  and 
thirty-nine  missing.  All  this  while,  the  American  forces  did  not 
exceed  fifteen  hundred  efficient  men. 

10.  At  length,  General  Izard  arrived  from  Plattsburg  with  a rein- 
forcement of  five  thousand  men.  Just  before  his  arrival.  General  Brown, 
who  had  recovered  of  his  wounds  and  taken  the  command  of  the  troops, 
ordered  a body  of  his  men  to  sally  forth  and  attack  the  invaders.  In 
this,  the  Americans  were  successful,  destroying  the  advanced  works 
of  the  enemy,  and  driving  their  forces  back  toward  Chippewa. 

11.  The  siege  of  the  fort  lasted  forty-nine  days,  when  the  British 
retreated,  and  the  Americans  pursued  them.  A second  battle  was 
fought  near  Chippewa,  on  the  20th  of  October,  in  which  the  Ameri- 
cans were  victorious,  though  the  triumph  was  dearly  bought. 


CHAPTEE  CLXXYI. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — City  of  Wash- 
ington oaf  lured  and  burned. 

1.  When  the  war  against  Great  Britain  was  declared,  that  power, 
as  we  have  already  intimated,  was  occupied  in  the  tremendous  strug- 
gle with  Kapoleon.  Under  these  circumstances  our  statesmen  had 
supposed  it  would  be  easy  to  conquer  the  contiguous  British  provinces 


8.  Where  did  the  American  forces  now  go  ? Who  commenced  the  siege  of  Fort  Erie  ? 
Who  commanded  the  fort  ? 9.  Describe  the  attack.  10.  What  of  General  Izard  ? What 
was  done  by  General  Brown  ? 11.  How  long  was  the  siege  ? What  did  the  British  do  ? 
What  of  the  second  battle  near  Chippewa  ? 

Chap.  CLXXVL — 1.  Why  was  it  supposed  our  armies  could  easily  conquer  Canada? 


352 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


of  Canada.  As  we  have  seen,  the  main  efforts  of  our  armies  had  been 
directed,  though  without  success,  to  this  object. 

2.  But  now  hTapoleon  was  overthrown,* *  and  the  British  armies  and 
navies,  being  released  from  the  European  war,  were  sent  to  this  country. 
Instead,  therefore,  of  conquering  the  enemy’s  territories,  we  were  called 
to  the  defence  of  our  own.  In  the  spring  and  summer  of  1814,  no  less 
than  forty  thousand  men,  soldiers  and  sailors,  were  sent  against  us. 

3.  One  portion  of  these  troops  was  despatched  to  the  Chesapeake  Bay. 

•They  arrived  in  a squadron  of  fifty  or  sixty  sail,  and,  having  entered 

the  bay,  proceeded  slowly  up  the  Potomac  Elver.  At  a considerable 
distance  below  Washington,  five  thousand  men,  under  General  Boss, 
were  put  on  shore,  who  marched,  as  rapidly  as  circumstances  permit- 
ted, tow  ard  the  capital ; a part  of  the  fleet  following  them. 

4.  They  met  with  little  resistance  till  they  came  to  Bladensburg, 
six  miles  from  Washington.  Here  General  Winder  had  collected 
together  a body  of  militia,  and  Commodore  Barney,  of  the  navy,  had 
the  command  of  a few  cannon  and  about  four  hundred  men.  The 
latter  behaved  with  great  courage,  but  being  deserted  by  the  militia, 
who  fled  at  the  first  approach  of  the  foe,  they  were  soon  obliged  to 
surrender. 

5.  The  British  proceeded  to  the  capital.  They  reached  it  on  the 
23d  of  August,  in  the  evening.  The  main  body  of  the  army,  meet- 
ing with  little  resistance,  halted  a mile  and  a half  out  of  the  city. 
General  Eoss,  with  only  seven  hundred  men,  entered  the  place  and 
burned  the  capitol,  the  president’s  house,  the  public  offices,  the  arsenal, 
and  the  navy-yard. 

6.  In  burning  the  capitol,  they  destroyed  its  valuable  library  and 
furniture.  Private  property  was  respected  but  little  more  than  pub- 
lic. One  hotel,  with  several  private  buildings,  was  destroyed.  The 
bridge  west  of  the  city,  across  the  Potomac,  was  also  burned. 

T.  The  British  boasted  much  of  their  success  in  taking  the  seat  of 
government  of  the  United  States,  and  some  of  them  seemed  to  think 
the  whole  country  w^ould  be  soon  ready  to  submit  to  the  British  yoke. 
However,  it  was  discovered  that  to  conquer  a single  city,  is  not  to 
enslave  a whole  country. 


2.  What  of  Napoleon  ? What  was  the  condition  of  our  country  at  this  time  ? 3.  What 
of  one  portion  of  the  British  troops  ? 4.  Who  were  collected  together  at  Bladenghurg? 
What  of  the  American  militia?  The  men  from  the  navy?  5.  What  did  the  British 
then  do?  What  of  General  Ross?  6.  What  was  destroyed  by  the  British ? 7.  What 

was  thought  by  the  British  ? 

* The  leading  powers  of  Europe,  which  had  combined  for  the  overthrow  of  Napoleon, 
entered  Paris  in  March,  1814.  Napoleon  abdicated  and  was  sent  to  Elba.  Thus  the  British 
forces  were  set  at  liberty  Napoleon  returned  to  Paris,  but  was  finally  defeated  at  Water- 
loo,  June  18, 1815. 


BATTLE  NEAR  BALTIMORE. 


35S 


8.  After  the  capture  and  destruction  of  Washington,  the  British 
re-ernbarked  on  hoard  their  fleet  and  returned  down  the  river.  On 
their  way,  however,  they  halted  at  Alexandria  long  enough  to  demand 
and  receive  the  surrender  of  the  city.  This  took  place  August  29th. 

9.  This  expedition  on  the  part  of  the  British  afibrded  a brilliant  tri- 
umph to  them,  and  caused  great  humiliation  to  the  Americans.  It, 
however,  was  in  two  ways  disastrous  to  the  victors ; their  conduct  in 
several  respects  was  a shameful  outrage  on  the  customs  of  civilization, 
even  in  warfare,  and  left  a permanent  bitterness  of  feeling  in  the  hearts 
of  the  Americans  toward  Great  Britain  ; it  also  roused  the  people  of 
this  country  to  greater  activity  in  the  struggle  that  was  then  impending. 


CHAPTEE  CLXXVIL 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Battle  near  Bal- 
timore. 

1.  The  British  sailed  as  rapidly  as  possible  from  Washington  to 
Baltimore.  They  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco,  fourteen  miles 
below  the  city,  on  the  11th  of  September.  The  next  day  six  thousand 
men  were  landed  from  the  fleet,  at  hTorth  Point,  and,  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Ross,  they  proceeded  toward  the  city. 

2.  But  they  found  more  opposition  here  than  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Washington.  An  army  of  three  thousand  two  hundred  men  had 
been  collected  and  placed  under  the  command  of  General  Strieker,  to 
annoy  the  British  and  keep  them  in  check  as  much  as  possible,  in 
order,  at  least,  to  give  more  time  for  putting  the  forts  and  batteries 
about  the  city  in  a proper  condition  for  defence.  A severe  battle  was 
fought,  and  the  Americans  were  obliged  to  retire  with  considerable 
loss.  The  killed  and  wounded  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  three, 
among  whom  were  many  q/  the  first  inhabitants  of  Baltimore. 

3.  Kext  morning,  the  British  advanced  to  the  intrenchrnents,  about 
two  miles  from  the  city.  At  the  same  time,  a vigorous  attack  had  been 
made  on  Fort  McHenry  from  the  fleet.  Great  numbers  of  bombs  were 
thrown  toward  the  fort  for  a whole  day  and  night,  but  they  produced 
very  little  effect.  All  this  while  preparation  was  making  in  the  city 
to  give  the  enemy  a warm  reception  if  they  should  determine  on  an 
attack. 


8.  What  more  was  done  by  the  British?  9,  What  was  the  effect  of  the  British  capture 
and  burning  of  Washington? 

Chap.  CLXXVII. — 1.  To  what  place  did  the  British  now  proceed  ? 2.  Who  did  the^ 
find  there  to  oppose  them  ? What  of  the  battle?  3.  W^hat  fort  was  attacked  ? 

30* 


851 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


4.  After  remaining  before  the  city,  however,  at  a somewhat  respect- 
ful distance,  till  the  evening  of  the  13th,  the  British  retired  to  their 
shipping,  and  abandoned  the  enterprise.  They  had  lost,  in  the  battle 
of  the  12th,  their  commander,  General  Boss,  which  doubtless  had  its 
effect  in  discouraging  them  from  carrying  out  their  plan. 

5.  During  these  events,  the  enemy  ravaged  the  coasts  of  the  Ches- 
apeake, in  a manner  which  reflected  little  credit  on  the  British  charac- 
ter, and  only  served  to  exasperate  the  Americans,  and  to  unite  them* 
in  the  attempt  to  repel  a foe  that  paid  so  little  regard  either  to  the  law 
of  nations  or  to  that  of  honor. 


CHAPTER  CLXXVIII. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued.  — The  Wav  on 
Take  Champlain  and  in  the  vicinity, 

1.  The  army  of  the  United  States  at  the  north,  had  been  greatly 

reduced  during  the  spring  and 
summer  of  1814 ; large  portions 
having  been  ordered  to  other 
stations.  On  the  1st  of  Sep- 
tember the  whole  effective  force 
at  Plattsburg,  the  head-quarters 
of  the  army,  did  not  exceed 
flfteen  hundred  men. 

2.  About  this  time,  intelli- 
gence was  received  that  the 
British,  under  General  Prevost, 
the  governor-general  of  Canada, 
with  a force  of  fourteen  thou- 
sand men,  were  on  their  way  to 
Plattsburg.  These  forces,  for 
the  most  part,  were  of  a char- 
acter calculated  to  intimidate, 
for  they  were  from  well-fought 
fields  of  battle,  the  conquerors  of  the  conquerors  of  Europe. 

3.  But,  though  the  land  forces  of  this  division  of  our  army  were  in- 
considerable, the  naval  force  had  been  raised,  during  the  war,  so  as  to 


COMMODORE  MCDONOUGH. 


4 What  did  the  British  do  on  the  13th  ? 5.  What  served  to  exasperate  the  Americans? 
What  had  the  enemy  done,  about  this  time,  along  the  coasts  of  the  Chesapeake? 

Chap.  CLXXVIII. — 1.  What  of  the  army  of  the  United  States  in  1814?  2.  What  new? 
was  now  received  ‘‘  What  of  the  British  troops  now  approaching  Plattsburg? 


THE  WAR  ON  LAKE  CHAxMPLAlN. 


355 


be  at  this  time  quite  respectable.  It  consisted  of  a brig,  a ship,  a 
schooner,  and  a sloop,  and  ten  gunboats,  mounting,  in  all,  about  ninety 
guns,  and  manned  by  eight  hundred  and  fifty  men ; the  whole  under 
the  direction  of  Commodore  Thomas  AIcDonougli. 

4.  The  British,  too,  had  a navy  on  the  lake,  equal,  if  not  somewhat 
superior  to  that  of  the  United  States.  Of  men,  it  contained  at  least 
two  hundred  more.  One  of  the  vessels  was,  moreover,  equal  in  force 
to  an  ordinary  frigate  of  thirty-two  or  thirty-six  guns. 

5.  General  Prevost  and  his  army  arrived  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Plattsburg  about  the  time  expected,  and  General  Macomb,  the  com- 
mander at  that  place,  had  ordered  out  a body  of  militia,  and  made 
every  preparation  which  the  nature  of  the  case  and  the  time  admitted. 
The  fleet  was  lying  near,  ready  to  aid  him  if  necessary. 

6.  While  the  two  armies  were  thus  before  each  other,  the  British 
fleet  appeared  in  sight,  and  gave  battle  to  the  American.  The  contest 
was  a fearful  one,  and  lasted  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes ; termina- 
ting in  the  surrender  of  the  British  fleet  to  Commodore  McDonough. 
A few  of  the  smaller  vessels  only  escaped. 

7.  While  the  battle  was  going  on  by  water,  the  British  general  be- 
gan his  attack  on  Plattsburg — pouring,  upon  it  a shower  of  bomb- 
shells, balls,  and  rockets.  The  Americans  answered  them  by  a destruc- 
tive fire  from  the  fort.  Before  sunset,  the  attack  ceased,  and  the 
British  retreated,  with  the  loss,  in  killed,  wounded^  and  missing,  of 
about  twenty-five  hundred  men. 

*8.  This  was  a most  signally  fortunate  day  to  the  Americans.  The 
British  were,  in  fact,  so  completely  defeated  that  they  did  not  attempt 
to  renew  the  war  in  that  quarter.  They  hastened  down  the  shore  of 
the  lake  as  fast  as  they  could,  not  even  taking  with  them  their  wounded 
or  their  military  stores.  ^ 

9.  The  loss  in  the  engagement  on  the  lake  was  great  on  both  sides, 
but  greatest,  by  far,  on  the  side  of  the  British.  They  had  eighty-four 
killed  and  one  hundred  and  ten  wounded ; the  Americans  had  only 
fifty-two  killed  and  fifty-four  wounded.  So,  at  least,  it  was  reported. 
And  yet  it  is  stated  by  Cooper  in  his  NTaval  History,  that  nearly  every 
soldier  on  board  of  the  Saratoga,  Commodore  McDonough’s  vessel, 
was  more  or  less  injured. 

10.  Commodore  McDonough  was  twice  supposed  to  be  killed  during 
the  action.  In  the  first  instance,  a broken  boom  was  thrown  against 


8.  What  was  the  extent  of  the  United  States  navy  on  Lake  Champlain  ? Who  was 
the  commander?  4.  What  of  the  British  navy  on  the  lake?  5.  What  preparation  Avas 
noAv  made  for  battle  ? 6.  Describe  the  action  between  the  two  fleets.  Which  was  victo- 
rious? 7.  What  attack  was  made  by  land  ? 8.  What  wns  the  cflect  of  this  battle  on  the 
British?  9.  What  was  the  loss,  on  both  sides,  in  the  naval  engagement? 


356 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


him  with  such  violence  as  to  leave  him,  for  a few  moments,  senseless. 
A little  while  afterward,  he  was  knocked  down,  and  besmeared  with 
blood,  loj  the  head  of  one  of  the  seamen,  which  had  been  shot  olf  and 
thrown  against  him, 

11.  However,  he  survived,  and  was  not  even  reckoned  among  the 
wounded.  It  seems  to  have  been  agreed,  beforehand,  to  call  no  per- 
son wounded  as  long  as  he  could  keep  out  of  the  sick  room.  One 
man,  like  the  commodore,  was  knocked  down  by  the  head  of  a seaman, 
and  yet  returned  to  his  post  and  said  nothing,  though  he  did  not  im- 
mediately recover  from  the  shock. 

12.  One  venerable  old  sailor  had  his  clothes  actually  stripped  off  by 
a splinter,  without  breaking  or,  so  far  as  could  be  perceived,  so  much 
as  injuring  the  skin.  He  tied  his  pocket  handkerchief  around  him  and 
went  to  work  again,  and  continued  at  his  post  till  the  contest  was  over; 
though  he  died  a few  months  afterward,  as  it  was  thought,  of  some 
internal  injury. 

13.  Another  anecdote  of  the  battle  of  Lake  Champlain  is  commonly 
reported,  and  is  doubtless  true.  Some  hens,  confined  on  board  Com- 
modore McDonough’s  vessel  at  the  commencement  of  the  battle,  got 
loose  during  the  tumult,  upon  which  a cock,  which  was  among  them, 
flew  to  an  elevated  part  of  the  vessel,  and  crowed  vigorously.  Hot  a 
few  of  the  seamen  regarded  this  as  foretelling  victory,  and  were  en- 
couraged by  it  to  fight  on,  despite  the  danger. 


CHAPTER  CLXXIX. 


Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Convention  at 


1.  The  refusal  of  three  of  the  Hew  England  states  to  order  out  their 
militia,  to  be  subject  to  other  officers  than  their  own,  at  the  opening 
of  the  war,  has  been  mentioned.  Demands  were  subsequently  made 
by  the  governors  of  the  several  states  respectively,  on  the  militia,  to 
repel  the  attacks  of  the  enemy,  especially  at  Say  brook.  Hew  London, 
Stonington,  Castine,  etc.,  and  these  were  readily  complied  with. 

2.  But  the  opposition  to  the  war  in  the  Hew  England  states  had 
been  increasing  rather  than  diminishing.  In  October,  1814,  it  was 


10.  How  did  Commodore  McDonough  narrowly  escape  death  ? 11.  What  was  agreed 

upon  before  the  battle  ? What  of  a seaman  knocked  down  ? 12.  What  can  you  say  of  an 
old  sailor?  13.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  the  cock. 

CuAp.  CLXXIX. — 1.  What  had  been  demanded  by  the  governors  ot  some  of  the 
states  ? What  was  tlie  result  of  these  demands  ? 


CONVENTION  AT  HARTFORD. 


357 


proposed  by  the  Massachusetts  legislature  to  call  a convention  of  dele- 
gates, from  the  several  states  of  NTew  England,  to  meet  at  some  com 
venient  place,  and  inquire  what  ought  to  be  done. 

3.  This  convention  met  at  Hartford,  December  15th.  It  consisted 
of  twenty -four  delegates  from  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  Rhode 
Island,  and  a partial  delegation  from  Vermont  and  NTew  Hampshire. 
As  a state,  Vermont  had  refused  to  have  any  concern  in  the  measure. 

4.  These  delegates,  consisting,  for  the  most  part,  of  aged  men,  of  th® 
highest  consideration  in  the  states  to  which  they  belonged,  proceeded 
to  canvass,  with  much  freedom,  the  motives  and  measures  which  had 
led  to  the  war,  and  to  set  forth  the  evils  which  the  country  was  suffer- 
ing in  consequence  of  its  continuance.  They  remained  in  session  about 
three  weeks. 

5.  This  convention  was  denounced  by  the  friends  of  the  administra- 
tion in  the  severest  terms.  It  was  said  to  be  not  only  impolitic,  as 
giving  encouragement  to  the  enemy,  but  absolutely  traitorous  to  the 
general  government.  It  was  branded,  in  every  possible  way,  with 
odium ; and  the  Hartford  Convention  is,  to  this  day,  with  many,  but 
a title  of  contempt  or  reprobation.  There  are  others,  however,  who 
maintain  that  it  was  a patriotic  and  useful  measure.  This  latter  opin- 
ion, as  the  mists  of  passion  fade  away,  appears  to  become  more  and 
more  prevalent. 

6.  It  is  certain  that,  whatever  may  have  been  its  general  tendency, 
the  convention  broke  up  without  adopting  any  treasonable  resolutions, 
or  attempting  any  dangerous  movements.  A few  amendments  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States  were  proposed,  such  as,  it  was  thought, 
would  thereafter  prevent  a recurrence  of  the  evils  under  which  the 
country  then  groaned. 

7.  These  amendments  of  the  Constitution  were  proposed,  in  the 
usual  form  and  manner,  to  the  states,  but  were  rejected.  Meanwhile, 
as  we  shall  presently  see,  the  war  was  brought  to  an  end.  Indeed,  a 
treaty  was  actually  signed  at  Ghent  in  December,  1814,  before  the 
convention  at  Hartford  broke  up,  but  the  news  had  not  reached  this 
country. 


2.  What  was  proposed  by  the  Massachusetts  legislature  in  1814  ? 3 Of  what  did  the 
Hartford  Convention  consist  ? 4 What  was  the  character  of  the  delegates?  What  did 
they  proceed  to  do?  5.  How  was  this  convention  considered?  6.  What  was  proposed 
by  the  convention?  7.  Were  these  amendments  accepted?  What  treaty  was  signed 
in  December,  1814  ? 


35S 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


BATTLE  OP  NEW  OKLEANS, 


CHAPTER  CLXXX. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Battle  of  New 

Orleans, 

1.  Several  battles  were  fought  by  the  two  contending  nations  of 
Great  Britain  and  A^merica,  after  a treaty  of  peace  was  actually  signed, 
but  before  the  news  had  reached  this  country.  The  most  important  of 
these  was  at  ISTew  Orleans,  and  occurred  on  the  8th  of  January,  1815. 

2.  A large  British  fleet  had  arrived  on  the  coast,  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Kiver,  as  early  as  December.  This  fleet  had  on  board  flfteeu 
thousand  troops,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Edward  Packenham.  Gen- 


Chap.  CLXXX  — 1.  When  did  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  take  place?  2.  What  of  the 
British  lleet?  What  was  the  miinber  of  the  British  troops?  Who  commanded  them J 
Who  commanded  the  United  SLtate-s  troops?’ 


BATTLE  OF  N E ORLEANS. 


359 


eml  Jackson,  who  had  so  distinguished  himself  in  the  war  with  the 
Creek  Indians,  now  had  the  command  of  the  troops  of  the  United 
States  in  this  quarter. 

3.  As  there  was  good  reason  to  believe  that  the  enemy  were  medi- 
tating a blow  at  Kew  Orleans,  General  Jackson  proceeded  to  fortify 
the  place  as  fast  and  as  strongly  as  the  time  and  the  circumstances 
would  permit.  Batteries,  consisting  mostly  of  bales  of  cotton,  were 
extended  from  the  river,  eastward,  in  such  a manner  as  to  form  a 
strong  line  of  defence,  fronted  by  a deep  ditch. 

4.  -The  enemy  came  to  the  attack  in  solid  columns,  to  the  number 
of  twelve  thousand;  they  were  well-tried  and  thoroughly  disciplined 
troops.  The  forces  under  General  Jackson  scarcely  amounted  to  half 
their,  number,  and  were  chiefly  militia.  A part  of  them,  only,  had 
seen  fighting  before.  Yet  nearly  all  were  accustomed  to  the  use  of  the 
rifle,  and  were  the  best  marksmen  in  the  country. 

5.  !No  opposition  was  made  to  the  British  till  they  came  fairly  within 
reach  of  the  American  batteries,  when  some  twenty-five  or  thirty 
cannon  at  once  began  the  work  of  death.  The  British,  however,  con- 
tinued to  advance  till  they  came  within  reach  of  the  muskets  and  rifles, 
when  their  destruction  became  so  great  that  their  progress  was  slow. 

6.  From  the  nature  of  the  ground,  the  British  seemed  obliged  to  ad- 
vance in  solid  columns ; but  this  made  their  destruction  only  so  much 
the  more  dreadful.  The  cannon  of  the  Americans  were  mowing  down 
whole  rows  of  them  at  every  discharge.  Unable  to  stand  the  shock, 
they  at  last  began  to  fly. 

T.  But  the  officers  rallied  them  again,  and  led  them  on  as  far  as  the 
very  intrenchments  of  the  Americans,  where  they  found  a ditch  with 
five  feet  of  water  and  a steep  and  slippery  bank  beyond  it.  At  the 
moment  of  this  desperate  approach,  the  two  principal  British  generals, 
Packenham  and  Gibbs,  were  killed,  and  their  third,  General  Kean,  was 
wounded. 

8.  Finding  it  impossible  to  scale  the  batteries  of  the  Americans, 
and  unable  to  stand  the  shower  of  death  which  was  poured  upon 
them,  they  retreated  down  the  river.  They  did  not  embark  immedi- 
ately on  board  their  shipping,  but  they  made  no  more  attempts  against 
Kew  Orleans. 

9.  The  results  of  this  battle  were  as  singular  as  they  -were  dreadful. 
Ko  less  than  seven  hundred  men,  out  of  the  five  thousand  who  w^ere 
near  enough  to  the  batteries  to  be  actually  engaged,  slept  the  sleep  of 


8.  What  was  done  by  General  Jackson?  What  were  the  American  batteries  composed 
of?  4.  What  forces  were  opposed  to  each  other?  5.  Describe  the  attack.  6.  How  were 
the  British  cut  down  ? 7,  8.  Describe  the  attack  after  tne  rally.  What  British  genera'.^ 
were  killed?  9.  What  was  the-  loss  of  the  Hriii.sh  in  this  battle? 


360 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


death,  and  fourteen  hundred  were  wounded.  Five  hundred  more  -were 
prisoners.  Y^et  a’^I  this  destruction  was  elFected  with  the  loss  on  our 
part  of  only  seven  men  killed  and  six  wounded ! 


CHAPTER  CLXXXI. 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — Closing  Events 
of  the  War, — The  Dartmoor  Massacre. — The  Peace  of 
Ghent. 

1.  Our  little  navy  continued  its  operations,  as  well  as  the  army  on 
shore,  ignorant,  of  course,  of  what  had  been  done  at  Ghent.  Many 
prizes  were  taken,  and  not  a few  severe  battles  fought  after  the  com- 
mencement of  the  year  1815.  Among  the  last  mentioned  were  the 
following: 

2.  The  British  ship  Levant,  of  eighteen  guns,  and  the  frigate  Cyane, 
of  thirty-four,  were  taken  by  the  American  frigate  Constitution^  wliile 
on  a cruise,  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  about  the  20th  of  February. 
The  battle  lasted,  with  some  intermission,  three  hours  and  a half,  but 
was  not  very  destructive. 

8.  Again,  on  the  23d  of  March,  the  Hornet,  of  the  United  States, 
commanded  by  Captain  Biddle,  fell  in  with  and  took  the  British  brig 
Penguin,  of  eighteen  guns.  The  battle  lasted  about  twenty-two 
minutes,  and  was  warmly  contested — the  forces  of  the  two  vessels 
being  nearly  equal. 

4.  An  event  of  an  adverse  nature  occurred  about  the  beginning 
of  this  year.  Tlie  United  States  frigate  President,  commanded  by 
Commodore  Decatur,  in  attempting  to  put  to  sea  from  ISTew  York,  was 
pursued  by  the  Endyrnion,  a frigate  of  forty  guns,  and  a battle  ensued, 
during  which  other  vessels  came  to  the  aid  of  the  Endyrnion,  and  the 
President  was  captured. 

5.  But  the  war  was  now  over.  The  treaty  signed  at  Ghent  between 
the  commissioners* *  of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  December 
14th,  1814,  had  been  ratified  by  the  United  States  on  the  17th  of  Feb- 
ruary following.  By  certain  provisions  of  the  treaty,  with  regard  to 
captures  which  should  be  made  after  it  was  ratified,  the  President  was 


Chap.  CLXXXI. — 1.  What  was  done  by  our  navy  after  the  commencement  *>1  the  year 
1S15?  2.  What  ships  were  taken  by  the  Constitution?  8.  Describe  the  engagement  of 
March  23d.  4.  Describe  the  capture  of  the  United  States  frigate  President.  5 Whai 
of  the  treaty  signed  at  Ghent  ? 

* These  commissioners  were : on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  John  Quincy  Adams, 
James  A.  Bayard,  Henry  Clay,  Jonathan  Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatin;  on  the  part  of 
Great  Britain.  Admiral  Lord  Gambier.  Henry  Goulborn,  and  William  Adams. 


DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ALGIERS.  361 

ii  lawful  prize  to  the  British  as  much  as  if  she  had  been  taken  earlier; 
and  the  Cyane  and  Levant  also  belonged  to  the  United  States. 

6.  The  return  of  peace,  in  the  United  States,  was  hailed  with  great 
joy  by  both  political  parties.  Much  as  people  love  war,  they  at  length 
become  tired  of  it ; even  when  it  happens,  as  in  the  present  instance, 
that  they  do  not  appear  to  have  gained  the  ends  for  which  they  fight.* * 
if  the  soldiers  were  not  glad  to  exchange  the  sword  for  the  plough- 
share,  the  nation  at  least  was  glad  to  have  tliem  do  it. 

7.  One  sad  incident  connected  with  the  war,  which  was  just  now 
brought  to  a close,  remains  to  be  mentioned.  It  is  the  story  of  the 
massacre  of  American  prisoners,  which  took  place  at  Dartmoor,  in 
Devonshire,  England,  April  6th,  1815.  The  war  was,  of  course,  over, 
and  known  to  be  over,  at  this  time,  but  the  prisoners  had  not  all  been 
exchanged. 

8.  These  prisoners  at  Dartmoor  were  fired  upon  by  the  guard  of  the 
prison,  by  order  of  the  agent.  Seven  of  them  were  killed  and  sixty 
more  or  less  wounded.  The  British  did  not  defend  the  act ; it  was 
an  act  of  cruelty  that  could  not  be  justified.  On  the  contrary,  much 
sympathy  was  expressed,  even  by  the  monarcli  on  the  throne,  for  the 
widows  and  families  of  the  sufierers. 

9.  Peace  was  established  in  the  manner  we  have  mentioned,  and  it 
was  this  very  year  that  the  Massachusetts  Peace  Society  was  formed. 
This  institution,  by  itself,  its  numerous  auxiliaries  and  its  periodicals, 
has  done  much,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe,  to  sow  the  seeds 
of  a far  different  spirit  from  that  which  has  long  prevailed  even  in  the 
greater  part  of  the  Christian  world. 


CHAPTER  CLXXXIL 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Difficulties 
with  Algiers, 

1.  The  difficulties  between  the  United  States  and  Algiers  had  pro- 
ceeded to  such  an  extent,  that,  in  1812,  the  American  consul  was  sud- 
denly ordered  by  the  Dey  to  leave  the  capital.  The  immediate  excus® 


6.  How  was  the  return  of  peace  received  ? 7,  8.  Describe  the  fate  of  the  prisoners  at 
Dartmoor.  9.  When  was  the  Massachusetts  Peace  Society  formed?  Its  influence? 

* It  is  a curious  fact,  that  upon  the  subjects  for  which  the  war  had  been  professedly 
declared — the  encroachments  upon  American  commerce  and  the  impressment  of  Ameri- 
can seamen,  under  the  pretext  of  their  being  British  subjects — the  treaty  thus  concluded* 
was  silent!  The  termination  of  the  European  war,  however,  put  an  end  to  the  former, 
and  Great  Britain  has  since  virtually  relinquished  £er  pretensions  to  the  latter. 

81 


362 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


for  a command  so  unexpected  and  so  singular  was,  that  a cargo  of 
naval  and  military  stores  wliicli  our  government  had  sent  them  was 
not  satisfactory. 

2.  Whether  the  stores  were  really  such  as  the  Dey  pretended,  or 
whether  he  only  sought  a pretext  for  commencing  anew  his  system 
of  piracy,  is  uncertain.  One  thi-ng  is,  indeed,  well  known,  which  is, 
that  depredations  were  immediately  commenced,  and  that  our  vessels 
were  not  only  plundered,  hut  several  of  them  captured  and  condemned, 
and  their  crews  sold  into  slavery. 

3.  During  the  session  of  Congress  which  commenced  in  December, 
1814,  the  president,  in  a message,  snggested  the  importance  of  taking 
measures  to  prevent  further  piracy  on  our  vessels  from  this  quarter. 
The  subject  was  agitated  in  Congress,  and  at  length,  in  March,  1815, 
they  declared  war  against  the  Dey. 


4.  Soon  after  this,  an  Ameri- 
can squadron,  under  the  gallant 
Decatur,  sailed  for  the  Mediter- 
ranean, to  make  a descent  upon 
the  Algerines.  On  the  18th  of 
June,  they  captured  an  Algerian 
frigate  of  forty-four  guns  and 
six  hundred  men,  and  a brig. 
The  victorious  squadron  then 
sailed  for  Algiers,  to  humble  the 
Dey,  if  possible,  still  further. 


5,  Such  was  the  terror  in- 
spired by  the  American  arms, 
that  it  was  not  difficult  to  pro- 
cure a treaty,  on  our  own  terms. 
The  Dey  not  only  agreed  to  give 
up  the  property  and  men  he 
had  taken  from  us,  and  exempt 


DECATUR. 


us  from  tribute  in  time  to  come,  but  actually  to  pay  six  millions  of 
dollars  for  previous  damages,  This  treaty  was  signed  June  30th  of  the 
same  year." 

6.  Decatur  then  sailed  for  Tunis,  and  afterward  for  Tripoli,  and  ob- 
tained indemnity  of  the  rulers  of  both,  for  past  wrongs,  and  security 
against  future  ones. 


Chap.  CLXXXII. — 1.  What  reason  was  given  by  the  Dey  of  Algiers  for  sending  away 
the  American  consul  ? 2.  What  depredations  were  committed  ? 3.  What  was  done  by 
Congress?  When  was  war  declared  against  the  Dey  ? 4.  What  was  done  by  an  American 
Squadron  ? 5.  What  did  the  Dey  agi’ee  to  do  in  the  treaty?  When  was  this  treaty  signed  ? 
6.  What  did  Decatur  do  as  to  Tunis  and  Tripoli  ? 


SECOND  UNITED  STATES  BANK. 


363 


CHAPTEE  CLXXXIIL 

Madison’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  second  Unit- 
ed States  Banh  chartered, — Indiana  admitted  into  the 
Union, 

1.  The  two  principal  events  belonging  to  the  history  of  the  United 
States,  for  the  year  1816,  were  the  establishment  of  the  second  Bank 
of  the  United  States,  and  the  admission  of  In-di-an'-a  into  the  Union, 
as  the  nineteenth  state. 

2.  The  bill  for  the  incorporation  of  a bank  passed  April  10th.  Its 
capital  was  thirty-five  millions  of  dollars;  of  which  seven  millions 
were  to  be  subscribed  by  the  United  States,  and  twenty-eight  mil- 
lions by  individuals.  Its  affairs  were  to  be  managed  by  twenty-five 
directors,  five  of  whom  were  to  be  appointed  by  the  president  and 
senate,  and  twenty  elected  by  the  stockholders.  The  charter  was 
limited  to  twenty  years. 

3.  With  regard  to  the  early  history  of  Indiana,  little  can  be  said,  ex- 
cept that  it  had  been,  for  a long  time  prior  ta  its  settlement,  the  resi- 
dence of  various  Indian  tribes,  and  the  theatre  of  Indian  wars.  It  was 
here  that  the  Shawanese  resided,  and  that  the  bloody  affair  of  Tip- 
pe-ca-noe'  took  place. 

4.  How  early  the  first  white  settlement  was  made,  which  was  fairly 
within  the  limits  of  Indiana,  cannot  now  be  determined.  It  was  a 
part  of  the  great  territory  claimed  by  the  French  and  traversed  by 
fcheir  traders.  It  is  quite  certain  that  Yin-cennes',  if  not  some  other 
posts,  was  settled  atTeast  one  hundred  and  sixty  years  ago. 

5.  At  the  peace  of  1763,  Indiana,  with  the  rest  of  the  great  North- 
western Territory,  was  given  up  by  France  to  England.  Still  it  was 
claimed  by  the  Indians,  but,  bj^the  various  treaties  made  with  them 
from  time  to  time,  extensive  tracts  were  obtained  for  settlement.  But 
the  Indian  title  to  manj^-  parts  of  the  state  was  retained  till  the  year 
1812,  and  even  longer. 

6.  It  was  erected  into  a territorial  government  in  1809.  In  Decern^ 
ber,  1815,  its  inhabitants  being  found  to  amount  to  sixty  thousand,  a 
petition  was  sent  to  Congress  to  be  made  a separate  state,  which  was 
granted,  as  we  have  already  seen.  The  prosperity  of  Indiana  has  been 
almost  unexampled;  its  population  now  exceeds  a million  of  inhabit- 
ants. 


Chap.  CLXXXIII. — 1.  What  two  events  took  place  in  the  year  1816?  2.  What  were 
the  conditions  of  the  second  United  States  Bank  ? 3.  What  of  the  early  history  of  In- 
diana ? 4.  What  of  the  settlements  there  ? 5.  What  of  Indiana  at  the  peace  of  1763  ? In 
1822  ? 6.  Relate  its  subsequent  history.  Its  population  at  the  present  time  ? 


364 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PRESIDENT  JAMES  MONROE. 


OHAPTEE  CLXXXIV. 

Mokroe’s  Administkation,  from  Maech  4th,  1817,  to 
March  4th,  1825. — His  Character  and  History. — 
Daniel  D.  Tomjpkins^  Vice-President. — Mississippi 
admitted  into  the  Union.  ^ 

1.  The  year  1817  is  noted  in  the  history  of  the  United  States,  as 
the  commencement  of  the  administration  of  James  Monroe,  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  also  for  the  admission  of  Mississippi  to  be  the  twentieth 
pillar  of  the  American  Union. 

2.  Mr.  Monroe  was  a very  different  man  from  Mr.  Madison,  his 
predecessor  in  office.  The  latter  was  a man  of  great  learning,  as  well 
as  of  high  talents  as  a statesman.  He  was  a very  active  member  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  and  it  is  to  him  w^e  are  indebted,  more  than 
any  other  man,  for  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  under  which  we 
live.  Yet  Mr.  Madison  was  no  warrior. 


CriAP.  CLXXXIV. — 1.  For  what  is  the  year  1817  distinguished  ? 2.  What  was  the 

cliaraoter  of  Mr.  Madison  ? 


MONROE  ELECTED  PRESIDENT. 


365 


3.  Mr.  Monroe,  on  the  contrary,  though  he  entered  upon  his  admij;i- 
istration  in  a time  of  peace  and  comparative  prosperity,  had  been  a 
soldier.  He  was  engaged  in  the  Revolutionary  War  from  the  year 
1776  to  its  close ; and,  though  he  held  no  othbr  commission  than  that 
of  a captain  of  infantry,  was  in  a number  of  severe  battles,  and  at 
that  of  Trenton  was  wounded.  He  was  also  a statesman  as  well  as  a 
warrior. 

4.  He  came  into  office  March  4th,  1817.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  was  at 
the  same  time  inaugurated  vice-president.  Though  the  prosperity  of 
the  country  was  returning,  yet  it  takes  a long  time  for  a nation  to 
recover  from  a war,  even  in  its  commercial  and  financial  concerns. 
Manufactures  were  broken  down,  agriculture  was  far  from  being  as 
flourishing  as  it  had  been,  and  there  was  a great  scarcity  of  money, 
especially  of  specie. 

5.  During  the  summer  and  autumn  of  this  year,  Mr.  Monroe  made 
a tour  through  the  northern  and  eastern  states,  to  observe  the  condi- 
tion of  the  fortiflcations  along  the  sea-coast,  as  well  as  to  make  him- 
self acquainted  with  the  state  of  the  country  in  other  respects.  A 
similar  tour  was  made,  two  years  afterward,  through  the  Southern  and 
Western  states,  and  another  still  later  along  the  shores  of  the  Ches- 
apeake Bay. 

6.  In  December  1817,  the  Territory  of  Mississippi  was  divided,  the 
western  portion,  lying  along  the  river,  being  admitted  as  a state  into 
the  Union.  The  eastern  portion  was  erected  into  a territory,  by  the 
name  of  Alabama. 

7.  The  early  history  of  this  country  has  been  mentioned,  in  our 
brief  account  of  the  travels  of  Ferdinand  de  Soto  and  La  Salle.  It 
suffered  greatly  during  the  wars  of  the  Hatchez  Indians.  The  Choc- 
taws for  a long  time  retained  and  occupied  the  northern  part  of  this 
state,  and  were  in  a good  measure  civilized. 

8.  There  was  also  some  trouble  this  year,  1817,  respecting  Amelia 
Island,  which  was  a Spanish  possession,  and  had  become  the  resort  of 
a set  of  outlaws.  The  United  States,  though  ac  peace  with  Spain,  at 
length  determined  to  take  possession  of  it.  This  was  done  by  a naval 
force,  sent  out  for  the  purpose,  and  without  bloodshed. 


3.  That  of  Mr.  Monroe  ? 4.  Who  was  chosen  vice-president  with  Mr.  Monroe  ? What  was 
the  condition  of  the  country  at  this  time  ? 5.  What  tour  was  made  by  Mr.  Monroe,  and 

for  what  purpose?  6.  What  can  you  say  of  Mississippi  ? 7.  What  of  its  early  history? 
How  did  it  suffer?  8.  What  of  Amelia  Island  ? 

31* 


366 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


■ ♦ 

CHAPTER  OLXXXY. 

Monroe^s  Administration,  Continued.  — War  with  tliA 
Seminoles, — Illinois  admitted  into  the  Union, — Com- 
mercial Treaty  with  Sweden, 

1.  Between  the  United  States  and  Florida,  or  rather  partly  within 
the  limits  of  both,  there  was  a tribe  of  Indians  called  Sem'-i-noles.  The 
nation  also  included,  at  this  time,  many  of  the  Creek  Indians,  who, 
dissatisfied  with  the  treaty  their  brethren  had  made  with  the  United 
States,  in  August,  1813,  had  fled  to  the  Seminoles. 

2.  They  also  had  among  them  another  set  of  runaways,  much  worse 
than  the  vagabond  Creeks.  These  were  white  traders  from  various 
nations,  who,  for  the  most  part,  dissatisfied  with  the  slow,  honest 
earnings  of  home,  had  come  hither  to  gain  money  by  trading  with, 
and  often  by  taking  unfair  advantage  of  the  Indians. 

3.  The  Seminoles  becoming,  by  some  means,  excited  to  hostile 
feelings  against  their  white  neighbors,  and  being  also  urged  on  by  the 
Creeks  among  them,  began,  about  the  close  of  the  year  1817,  to  commit 
outrages,  after  the  usual  Indian  fashion,  upon  the  families  on  or  near 
their  borders. 

4.  Upon  hearing  of  these  outrages,  the  secretary  of  war  ordered 
General  Jackson  and  General  Gaines,  with  eight  hundred  regular  troops 
and  one  thousand  militia,  to  proceed  against  them,  and  to  call  upon 
the  governors  .of  the  several  adjacent  states  for  more  men,  if  necessary. 
General  Jackson,  however,  addressed  a circular  to  the  patriots,  as  he 
called  them,  of  West  Tennessee,  one  thousand  of  whom  forthwith 
joined  him. 

5.  The  war  was  immediately  and  vigorously  prosecuted,  but  in  a 
way  somewhat  peculiar.  St.  Mark’s,  a Spanish  post,  was  first  seized, 
and  afterward  Pen-sa-co'-la,  the  capital  of  West  Florida,  also  belonging 
to  Spain.  These  places  were  taken  because  they  favored,  or  were 
supposed  to  favor,  the  cause  of  the  Indians.  There  was  very  little 
resistance  on  the  part  of  the  Spanish  authorities. 

6.  The  taking  and  occupying  of  these  places,  with  some  little  skir- 
mishing elsewhere,  occupied  the  time  till  late  in  the  spring  of  1818, 
when  General  Jackson  announced  that  the  Seminole  war  Was  closed, 
and  returned  to  Nashville.  He  was  much  censured  for  the  manner 


Chap.  CLXXXV. — 1.  What  of  the  Seminoles?  Why  had  the  Creeks  joined  them? 
2.  What  of  the  white  traders?  3.  What  did  the  Seminoles  begin  to  do  in  1817  ? 4.  What 
was  ordered  by  the  secretary  of  war?  What  did  General  Jackson  do?  5.  What  of  St. 
Mark’s  and  Pensacola?  6.  What  was  done  by  Jackson  in  1818?  Why  was  he  censured? 


ALABAMA  ADMITTED  AS  A STATE. 


367 


of  his  proceeding  in  this  war,  notwitlistanding  his  success.  His  appeal 
to  tlie  Tennesseeans,  and  his  seizing  and  occupying  St.  Mark’s  and  Pen- 
sacola, were  deemed  exceedingly  objectionable.  His  conduct  was  even 
brought  to  the  notice  of  Congress,  and  by  the  senate  partially  con- 
demned, 

7.  Illinois  was  admitted  to  the  Union  in  1818,  Its  early  history 
has  been  sufficiently  given  in  connection  with  the  travels  of  La  Salle. 
It  was  a part  of  Indiana  till  1809,  when  it  became  a separate  territory, 
in  which  ooridition  it  remained  till  it  was  received  into  the  confed- 
eracy. 

8.  This  state  has  been  little  disturbed  by  civil  or  internal  divisions, 
or  by  Indian  wars.  The  most  serious  trouble  arose  from  the  appear- 
ance of  a new  sect  there,  in  the  year  1838,  called  Mormons^  and  from 
the  attempts  to  curb  their  irregularities, 

9.  This  singular  people,  believing  themselves  ili-treated,  had  assem- 
bled, to  the  number  of  seven  hundred,  under  their  leaders,  in  a remote 
part  of  the  state,  when  a body  of  three  thousand  troops  marched 
against  them,  and  captured  them,  with  four  thousand  others.  The 
whole  sect  was  at  length  reduced  to  submission.  After  a time,  they 
removed  to  Utah.  Their  later  history  will  be  given  hereafter. 

10.  A treaty  of  peace,  friendship,  liberty  of  commerce,  equalization 
of  duties,  etc.,  with  Sweden,  was  coneluded  at  Stockholm,  in  May  of 
the  year  1818,  by  Mr.  Russell, theUnited  States  minister  at  the  court  of 
Sweden,  and  signed  by  the  respective  governments  during  the  summer 
and  autumn  of  the  same  year. 


CHAPTER  CLXXXVI. 

Monroe’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Treaties  with 
Spain  arid  Great  Britain, — Alabama  admitted^  into  the 
Union, 

1.  A TEEATY  of  trade  and  commerce  was  made,  early  in  the  year 
IB  19,  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain;  in  which,  how- 
ever, nothing  seems  to  have  been  said  about  the  old  question  of  im- 
pressment, A treaty  with  Spain  was  also  made,  settling  the  boundary 


'7.  What  of  Illinois  ? When  did  it  become  a separate  territory  ? 8.  How  has  the  state 
been  disturbed  ? What  of  the  Mormons  ? 9.  Describe  the  conduct  of  the  Mormons  and 
what  was  done  to  them.  10,  What  treaty  was  concluded  at  Stockholm? 

Chap.  CLXXXyi- — L What  treaties  were  made  in  the  year  1819?  What  did  tho 
United  States  become  bound  to  pay? 


368 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


between  this  country  and  Mexico.  At  the  same  time,  the  United  States 
became  bound  to  pay  the  Spanish  government  five  million  dollars,  on 
account  of  injuries  and  losses  which  they  had  sustained  from  us. 

2.  On  the  2d  of  March  of  this  year,  A-la-ba'-ma  was  admitted  to 
the  Union.  This  was  the  twenty-second  member  of  the  confederacy. 
Arkansas  was  made  a territorial  government  the  same  year,  but  was 
not  formed  into  a state  till  nearly  twenty  years  afterward. 

8.  Alabama,  with  its  deep,  ricli  soil,  and,  in  many  places,  healthful 
and  happy  climate,  remained' till  after  the  Revolutionary  War  a mere 
hunting-ground  of  the  savages.  From  the  peace  of  1783  till  1802^ 
the  territory  was  claimed  by  Georgia ; and  the  lands  were  sold  to  set- 
tlers and  speculators  accordingly. 

4.  Among  other  sales  was  one  of  twenty-five  millions  of  acres  for 
five  hundred  thousand  dollars ; and  the  money  was  received  and  put 
into  the  treasury.  But,  at  a subsequent  meeting  of  the  legislature,  the 
validity  of  the  sale  was  called  into  question ; and  finally,  the  records 
respecting  it  were  ordered  to  be  burnt  and  the  money  restored  to  the 
purchasers. 

5.  In  the  year  1802,  the  state  of  Georgia  ceded  all  her  western 
territory  to  the  United  States  for  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  tliousand 
dollars.^  This  and  the  act  by  which  the  records  were  destroyed  oc- 
casioned lawsuits,  which  cost  the  parties  great  trouble  and  mud) 
money.  In  1800,  as  we  have  seen  elsewhere,  the  present  state  of 
Alabama  became  a part  of  the  Mississippi  Territory — from  which  it 
was  separated  when  Mississippi  became  a state. 


CHAPTER  OLXXXVII. 

Monroe’s  Administration.  Continued. — The  States  of 
Maine  and  Missouri  admitted  into  the  Union,— The 
Missouri  Compromise, 

1.  In  the  year  1638 — the  same  year  in  which  New  Haven  was  seU 
tied' — Ferainando  Gorges  obtained  a charter  from  the  king,, of  all  the 
lands  from  the  borders  of  New  Hampshire,  on  the  south-west,  to 
Sagadahoc,  on  Kennebec  River,  on  the  north-east,  under  the  name  of 
the  Province  of  Maine,  It  remained  a separate  ])rovince  till  the  year 
1652,  when  it  became  a part  of  Massachusetts. 


2.  "What  can  you  say  of  Alabama  and  Arkansas?  8,  How  was  Alabama  occupied  till 
after  the  Revolution  ? Wha:  of  the  claims  of  Georgia?  4.  What  took  place  respecting 
one  of  the  sales  ? 5.  What  was  done  by  Georgia  in  1S02  ? What  of  Alabama  in  1800  ? 

Chap.  CLXXXVII. — What  of  the  charter  granted  to  Gorges,  respecting  the  Province 
of  M nine  ? When  did  Maine  become  a part  of  Massachusetts  ? 


ADMISSION  OF  MISSOUKI. 


869 


2.  The  history  of  the  settlement  of  this  province  has  been  alluded  to 
in  connection  with  the  history  of  the  colony  of  Massachusetts.  Various 
attempts  were  made  during  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century 
to  form  it  into  an  independent  state,  but  none  of  them  succeeded. 

3.  The  most  important  of  these  attempts  was  made  in  1785.  A con- 
vention then  met  for  the  purpose  at  Portland.  The  next  year,  the 
question  of  a separation  from  Massachusetts  wa§  submitted  to  the 
people  in  their  town  meetings,  on  which  it  appeared  that  a majority 
of  the  freemen  were  opposed  to  the  measure.  A similar  attempt  was 
made  in  1802,  and  with  similar  results. 

4.  In  1819,  a large  majority  were  found  to  be  in  favor  of  a sepa- 
ration. A convention  was  called,  and  a constitution  prepared  and 
adopted,  and  in  1820,  Maine  became  the  twenty-third  pillar  of  the 
American  Union.  At  present,  this  state  has  about  six  hundred  thou- 
sand inhabitants,  and  is  not  only  large  and  populous,  but  flourishing. 

5.  Toward  the  end  of  the  year  1820,  when  Congress  had  come  to- 
gether, the  question  was  brought  before  them  whether  Missouri  should 
be  admitted  into  the  Union.  The  discussion  which  followed  involved 
another  inquiry — that  of  the  extension  of  slavery — and  occupied  much 
of  the  session.  Provision  was,  however,  at  length  made  for  its  admission 
upon  certain  conditions  ;**and  these  having  been  complied  wdth,  Missouri, 
in  August  1821,  became  the  twenty -fourth  member  of  our  confederacy. 

6.  This  state,  together  with  all  the  territory  then  belonging  to  the 
United  States  west  of  the  Mississippi  Kiver,  was  included  in  the  pur- 
chase of  Louisiana  from  the  French,  in  the  year  1803.  Louisiana  was 
afterward  divided  into  the  “Territory  of  Orleans,”  or  Louisiana  proper, 
and  the  Territory  of  Missouri. 

7.  In  1819,  this  latter  territory  was  divided  into  Arkansas,  in  the 
south,  and  Missouri,  in  the  north  ; and  it  was  about  this  time  that  the 
northern  or  Missouri  division  took  the  requisite  steps  to  form  a state 
constitution.  Since  its  admission,  in  1821,  its  progress,  in  population 
and  improvement,  has  been  exceedingly  rapid. 

2.  What  atiempts  were  made  during  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century  ? 3.  What 
attempt  was  made  in  1T85?  In  1802?  4.  What  was  done  in  1819?  What  of  Maine  at 
this  time  ? 5.  What  discussion  was  had  about  Missouri  in  1820  ? When  did  Missouri 
become  a state  ? What  of  the  Missouri  Compromise  ? 6.  What  was  included  in  the  pur- 
chase of  Louisiana  ? How  was  Louisiana  afterward  divided  ? T.  How  was  Missouri 
divided  ? What  of  it  since  1821  ? 

* In  this  debate,  the  Northern  members  generally  urged  that  in  Missouri,  slavery  should 

be  prohibited ; the  Southern  members  took  the  ground  that  slavery  should  be  tolerated. 

The  discussion  caused  great  excitement, ‘as  well  in  Congress  as  in  the  country  at  large. 

This  state  was  finally  admitted,  permitting  slavery,  connected,  however,  with  a general 

act  prohibiting  it  in  all  new  states,  north  of  latitude  36.30  ; that  being  the  northern  limit 

of  Arkansas,  and  the  southern  limit  of  Missouri.  This  act  called  the  Missouri  Compromise 

continued  to  be  regarded  by  Congress,  until  the  year  1854,  when  it  was  repealed  by  what  is 

called  the  Kcmsas-Nebraska  two  territories  of  these  names  being  thereby  organized. 

■\  p.'k 
i o 


370 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


8.  In  1855  and  1856  great  excitement  took  place  in  Missouri,  in  con* 
sequence  of  the  agitation  of  the  slavery  question  in  the  contiguous  ter- 
ritory of  Kansas.  Many  of  the  inhabitants,  strongly  in  favor  of  the 
establishment  of  slavery  in  Kansas,  passed  into  that  territory,  and 
used  their  influence  to  promote  that  object.  For  two  years  the  whole 
United  States  was  disturbed  by  the  agitations  which  ensued. 


CHAPTEE  CLXXXYIII. 

Monroe’s  Administration,  Continued. — Territorial  Or- 
ganization of  Florida, — History  of  Florida, — Appor- 
tionment of  Hepresentatives  in  Congress  at  various  epochs. 

1.  Dueing  the  session  of  Congress  which  closed  in  the  spring  of 
1823,  a territorial  government  was  established  for  Florida  ; and  Wil- 
liam Duvall,  of  Kentucky,  was  appointed  by  the  president,  with  the 
concurrence  of  the  Senate,  to  be  the  governor. 

2.  The  unsuccessful  attempt  of  Ponce  de  Leon  to  settle  this  country 
has  been  mentioned  in  its  place.  The  Spaniards  made  several  transient 
settlements  here  at  an  early  date,  but  the  first  permanent  colony  was 
established  on  the  river  May,  in  1664.  Even  this  came  near  being 
broken  up  by  starvation  the  next  year.  The  settlers  had  been  at  war 
with  the  natives — had  lost  many  of  their  number;  and  those  who  were 
alive  had  been  obliged  to  subsist  on  acorns  and  roots. 

3.  Spain  held  the  possession  of  Florida  from  the  time  of  its  discovery 
till  1T63,  when  it  was  ceded  to  Great  Britain.  In  1781,  West  Florida 
again  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Spanish ; and  in  a treaty  made  in  1783, 
both  provinces  were  given  up  to  Spain,  in  whose  hands  they  remained, 
with  the  temporary  interruption  occasioned  by  the  movements  of 
General  Jackson,  till  1819. 

4.  In  the  progress  of  the  year  1819,  a transfer  of  the  whole  prov- 
ince was  made,  by  treaty,  to  the  United  States.  This  treaty,  after 
much  delay,  was  ratified  by  Spain,  and  still  more  tardily  by  the 
United  States.  This  act,  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  took  place 
in  February,  1821 ; and  possession  was  given  in  the  following  July. 

5.  This  territory,  at  the  census  in  1840,  contained  fifty-four  thou- 
sand four  hundred  and  seventy-seven  inhabitants,  and  March  3d,  1845, 
became  a state.  Tal-la-has'-see,  the  seat  of  government,  contains 


8.  What  agitation  took  place  in  Missouri  in  1855  and  1856? 

Chap.  CLXXX VIII. — 1.  What  was  done  hy  Congress  as  to  Florida  in  1823  ? 2.  Who 
formerly  attempted  to  settle  the  country?  What  of  the  first  permanent  settlement?  3, 
Into  whose  hands  did  Florida  successively  pass  ? 4.  What  was  done  in  1819  ? What 

took  place  in  1821  ? 


LAFAYETTE  IN  AMERICA. 


371 


about  two  thousand  inhabitants;  and  is  the  largest  town  in  the  state, 
except  Pensacola,  which  is  about  one-third  larger,  St.  Augustine, 
founded  by  the  Spaniards  in  1565,  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  United 
States. 

6,  Slight  changes  were  made  during  the  session  of  Congress  for 
1822-3,  with  regard  to  the  representation  of  the  several  states  in  the 
House  of  Representatives.  At  first  only  one  re[)resentative  had  been 
sent  for  every  thirty  tlmusand  inhabitants^  the  fractions,  in  each  state, 
going  for  nothing.  The  constitution  had  not,  indeed,  limited  the  rep- 
resentation to  this  number,  but  had  only  said  that  no  more  than  one 
representative  should  be  sent  for  each  thirty  thousand  people, 

7.  After  the  first  census,  it  was  fixed  at  one  representative  to  every 
thirty-three  thousand.  The  same  apportionment  continued  under  the 
second  census,  but  at  the  third  it  was  made  one  in  thirty-five  thousand. 
In  1822-3,  it  was  fixed,  for  the  next  ten  years,  at  forty  thousand.  The 
proportion,  after  the  census  of  1830,  was  one  in  forty-seven  thousand 
seven  hundred.  The  proportion  from  1840  was  one  for  seventy  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  eighty.  From'  1852  it  was  fixed  at  one  for 
ninety-three  thousand  three  hundred  and  forty  ; and  from  1860  at  one 
for  one  hundi-ed  and  twenty  thousand,  the  whole  number  of  repre- 
sentatives for  the  United  States  being  two  hundred  and  forty-one,  be- 
sides the  delegates  from  the  territories. 


CHAPTER  CLXXXIX. 

Monroe’s  Adminjsteation,  Continued. — La  Fayette  in  the 
United  States. 

1.  The  celebrated  general,  La  Fayette,  who  had  lived  in  France  since 
the  American  Revolution,  having  received  an  invitation  from  Congress, 
to  visit  this  country,  arrived  at  New  York,  August  13th,  1824,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  residence  of  Vice-president  Tompkins,  on  Staten  Island. 
He  was  soon  after  escorted  to  New  Y^ork  by  a splendid  array  of  steam- 
boats, decorated  by  the  flags  of  almost  every  nation  in  the  world,  and 
bearing  thousands  of  citizens, 

2.  After  remaining  a few^  days  in  New  York,  he  went  to  Boston, 
where  he  met  with  the  same  cordial  and  joyful  reception.  He  soon 
after  returned  to  New  York,  and  visited  Albany  and  the  other  towns 

5.  What  was  the  population  of  Florida  in  1840  ? What  of  Tallahassee  ? Pensacola  ? St. 
A-ugustine?  6.  What  of  the  constitution  as  to  representatives?  7,  How  was  the  repre- 
sentation arranged  after  the  first  census  ? After  the  second  census  ? In  1822-3?  After  the 
census  of  1840  ? After  the  census  of  1850  ? After  the  census  of  1860  ? 

Chap.  CLXXXIX. — 1.  What  of  General  Lafayette?  His  reception  in  New  York? 
2.  What  places  did  he  visit  ? 


372 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


LAFAYETTE^S  TOUR. 


on  the  Hudson,  after  which  he  proceeded  to  Virginia,  hut  returned  to 
Washington  during  the  sitting  of  the  next  Congress.  ^ 

3.  The  next  spring,  after  having  passed  through  the  Souther^  and 
Western  states,  he  again  went  to  Boston.  There,  on  the  17th  of  June 
two  days  after  he  arrived,  he  attended  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill ; at  w^hich  time,  beside  many  demonstrations  of 
public  joy,  the  corner-stone  of  a monument  was  laid.  This  was  not 
finished,  however,  till  1842. 

4.  The  exc;!irsions  of  La  Fayette  in  this ' country  occupied,  in  all, 
about  a year.  In  this  time,  he  visited  every  one  of  the  twenty -four 
states.  He  was  everywhere  received  as  a father  to  the  country,  and 
his  presence  everywhere  hailed  with  unmingled  joy.  The  7th  of  Sep- 
tember was  the  day  fixed  for  his  departure ; and  the  frigate  Brandy- 
wine was  appointed  to  convey  him  to  his  native  country. 

5.  The  parting  scene  was  one  of  the  most  affecting  which  was  ever 
witnessed  in  this  country.  He  was  to  sail  from  Washington.  All 
business  was  suspended  there  on  that  day,  and  all  the  officers  of  gov- 
ernment, from  the  president  downward,  assembled  to  bid  him  farewell. 
He  was  attended  to  tlie  vessel  by  the  whole  population  of  Washington. 

6.  In  passing  Mount  Vernon,  he  landed  to  pay  a farewell  visit  to 
the  tomb  of  Washington,  but  immediately  re-embarked,  and,  after  a 


3.  What  took  place  at  Boston  on  the  17th  June,  1824?  4.  What  time  did  La  Fayette’s 
excursions  oeeapy  ? How  was  he  received?  5.  Describe  the  parting  scene  as  he  left  for 
France.  6.  What  tribute  did  he  pay  to  the  memory  of  Washington?  What  did  Con 
j;ress  present  him  with  ? 


LAFAYETTE  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES.  S73 


prosperous  voyage,  was  soon  once  more  in  his  native  country.  While 
here,  Congress  gave  him  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  and  a town- 
ship of  land,  as  a partial  compensation  for  his  services  during  the 
Revolutionary  struggle. 

7.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  gratifying  to  the  people  of  the 
United  States  than  this  visit  of  the  illustrious  stranger,* *  whom,  next 
to  Washington,  they  delighted  to  honor. 


7.  How  did  the  people  of  the  Lihited  States  esteem  La  Fayette  ? 

* The  name  of  this  great  and  good  man  was  Marie  Jean  Paul  RocTi  Yves  GUbert  Mottier^ 
Marquis  de  la  Fayette.  He  was  born  at  Auvergne  in  1757,  and  belonged  to  the  court  of 
Louis  XVL  At  the  age  of  twenty,  having  just  been  married  to  a young  and  beautiful 
lady,  he  left  his  country  and  all  the  pleasures  of  a brilliant  career,  to  engage  in  our 
national  struggle  for  independence.  That  having  been  achieved,  he  returned  to  France. 
In  the  revolution  which  began  with  the  destruction  of  the  Bastille  in  1789,  he  played  a dis- 
tinguished part,  being  at  one  time  commander  of  the  National  Guard,  and  possessing  such 
power  as  almost  to  make  him  arbiter  of  the  fate  of  France.  He  afterward  became  an 
object  of  distrust,  and,  endeavoring  to  escape,  was  taken  and  imprisoned  at  Olmutz  by  the 
Austrians,  for  several  years,  being  released  in  1797.  He  took  a leading  part  in  placing 
Louis  Philippe  on  the  throne  in  1830,  and  died  in  1831. 


374 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS. 


CHAPTEE  CXC. 

John  Quincy  Adams’s  Administration,  from  March  ^th, 
1825,  TO  March  4th,  1829. — Difficulties  with  Georgia. 
— Speculations  and  BanTcruptcies  (9/*1825. 

1.  In  1821,  Mr.  Monroe  as  president,  and  D.  D.  Tompkins  as  vice* 
president,  had  been  re-elected,  almost  without  opposition,  and  had  duly- 
entered  upon  their  second  term  of  office.  This  having  expired,  they 
were  succeeded,  in  1825,  by  John  Q.  Adams,  of  Massachusetts,  as  Pres- 
ident, and  John  C.  Calhoun,  of  South  Carolina,  as  Vice-President. 

2.  The  latter  was  elected  by  the  people,  but,  in  respect  to  Mr. 
Adams,  there  was  no  choice  ; the  election  therefore  devolved  upon  the 
House  of  Representatives,  as  in  the  first  election  of  Jefferson.  During 
a state  of  great  excitement,  the  choice  of  Mr.  Adams  was  declared 
February  9th,  1825. 

3.  About  the  time  Mr.  Adams’s  administration  began,  a controversy 


Chap.  CXC. — 1.  What  of  Monroe  and  Tompkins  as  to  a second  term  of  office?  Who 
succeeded  them?  2.  What  of  the  election  of  Adams  and  Calhoun? 


DEATH  OF  ADAMS  AND  JEFFERSON. 


375 


arose  between  Georgia  and  the  national  government,  which  continued 
for  some  time.  It  had  relation  to  certain  lands,  within  the  state  of 
Georgia,  held  by  the  Creek  Indians,  which  Georgia  claimed  as  belong- 
ing to  herself. 

4.  This  controversy  grew  out  of  an  agreement  between  the  genera? 
government  and  Georgia,  in  1802.  In  1825,  the  Creeks  became  ex 
cited  and  a war  seemed  inevitable. 

5.  After  a long  negotiation  at  W ashington,  and  much  effort  on  the 
part  of  the  president  and  both  houses  of  Congress,  the  matter  was 
finally  settled  without  a resort  to  arms,  but  not  to  the  entire  satisfac- 
tion of  Georgia.  This  state  long  retained  unpleasant  feelings  against 
the  president  and  his  friends,  though  he  seems  rather  entitled  to  praise 
for  his  conduct  during  the  whole  affair. 

6.  This  year,  1825,  was  remarkable  for  a spirit  of  speculation,  which 
prevailed  in  England  and  this  country,  especially  in  regard  to  cotton. 
The  price  of  this  article  rose  from  twelve  to  thirty-two  cents  in  the 
course  of  a feAV  weeks.  Many  kinds  of  West  India  goods  also  advanced 
with  similar  rapidity. 

7.  The  prices  soon  receded,  and  extensive  bankruptcies  were  the  im- 
mediate consequence.  The  fictitious  wealth,  which  the  high  prices  of 
goods  had  created,  suddenly  disappeared,  and  involved  thousands  and 
tens  of  thousands  in  distress,  and  not  a few  in  utter  pecuniary  ruin. 


CHAPTER  OXCI. 

J.  Q.  Adams’s  Administration,  Continued. — Death  of 
Adams  and  Jeferson^  etc. 

1.  The  most  remarkable  events  of  the  year  1826  were  the  death  of 
the  two  ex-presidents,  Adams  and  Jefferson,  on  the  4th  of  July,  and 
within  a very  few  hours  of  each  other.  They  had  long  been  ill ; but 
it  was  hardly  to  be  expected  that  they  would  both  terminate  their  ex- 
istence on  this  particular  day. 

2.  Jefferson,  like  Washington,  Madison,  Monroe,  and  even  Harrison, 
was  a native  of  Virginia.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1743,;  and,  of 
course,  was  eighty -three  years  old  when  he  died.  He  was  bred  a 


8,  4.  What  controversy  arose  with  Georgia?  When  did  the  Creeks  become  excited? 
5.  How  was  the  difficulty  finally  adjusted?  6.  For  what  was  the  year  1825  remarkable? 
What  articles  rose  in  value  ? T.  What  was  the  consequence  of  these  speculations  ? 

Chap.  CXCL — 1.  When  did  Adams  and  Jefferson  die  ? 2.  Where  was  the  latter  born? 
At  what  age  did  he  die  ? What  can  you  say  of  him  ? 


N 


376  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

lawyer,  and  his  life  was  one  of  great  activity,  though  he  was  much 
less  a warrior,  or  a civilian,  than  a statesman. 

3.  When  the  time  came  for  preparing  a Declaration  of  Independence, 
Jefferson  was  chairman  of  the  committee  of  five  appointed  for  this 
purpose.  He  drew  the  instrument  with  his  own  hand ; nor  was  it  very 
materially  altered  by  Congress. 

4.  Beside  being  a member  of  Congress  for  many  years,  he  was  also 
abroad  as  minister  to  France  and  Great  Britain  for  a considerable 
period.  After  the  close  of  his  second  term  as  president,  he  retired  to 
his  estate,  called  Monticello^  in  Virginia,  where  he  spent  the  remainder 
of  his  days,  chiefly  employed  in  writing  and  in  study. 

5.  Adams  was  a native  of  Quincy,  near  Boston,  hut  was  eight  years 
older  than  Jefferson.  He,  too,  was  bred  a lawyer,  hut,  like  Jefferson, 
did  not  long  practise  his  profession.  The  war  of  the  Revolution  soon 
called  him  into  such  scenes  of  bustling  activity  as  gave  him  little  time 
for  legal  practice. 

6.  He  was  early  a member  of  the  colonial  congresses,  and  among 
the  first  to  resist  the  high-handed  measures  of  Great  Britain.  He 
nominated  Washington  as  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  American 
army.  He  was  second  on  the  committee,  already  alluded  to,  appointed 
to  draft  a Declaration  of  Independence ; and,  like  Jefferson,  was  one 
of  the  first  to  sign  it. 

7.  In  regard  to  his  character,  the  best  eulogium  has  been  given  by 
Jefferson.  He  always  said  that  “the  great  pillar  of  support  to  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  and  its  ablest  advocate  and  champion  on 
the  floor  of  the  house,  was  John  Adams;”  and  no.  man  knew  him 
better  than  Jefferson. 

8.  Though  feeble  from  great  age  at  the  arrival  ot  the  fiftieth  anni- 
versary of  Independence,  he  had  expressed,  like  Jefferson,  a strong 
desire  to  live  to  see  that  day,  though  he  hardly  expected  it.  But  he 
knew  enough,  on  the  fourth,  to  know  it  had  arrived ; and  said,  “ It  is 
a great  and  glorious  day.”  His  last  words  were,  “Jefferson  survives.” 

9.  Madison  and  Monroe  lived  several  years  longer.  Monroe  died  in 
Hew  York,  July  4th,  1831,  aged  seventy-three;  thus  making  the  third 
president  who  had  died  on  the  anniversary  of  our  independence, 
Madison  died  June  28th,  1837,  aged  eighty-six  years. 


3.  What  great  paper  did  he  draw  up?  4.  To  what  countries  was  Jefferson  minister! 
How  did  he  pass  his  time  after  he  retired  from  the  presidency?  5.  To  what  profession 
was  Adams  bred  ? To  what  scenes  was  he  called  from  the  bar?  6.  How  was  he  early 
distinguished?  7.  Give  his  character  by  Jefferson.  8.  Describe  the  last  day  of  his  life. 
What  of  Madison  and  Monroe  ? 


PRESIDENT  JACKSO^^. 


377 


PRESIDENT  JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  CXCIL 

Jackson’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1829,  to 
March  4th,  1837. — Election. — Yan  JBuren  Yice- 
President. — Death  of  John  Jay. — Nullification  in  South 
Carolina. — Clafs  Compromise  Act. 

1.  Few  events  worthy  of  note  occurred  in  the  year  1827.  During 
the  session  of  Congress  which  commenced  December  4th  of  that  .year^ 
a hill  was  passed  for  the  revision  of  the  tariff  of  the  United  States; 
but  it  did  not  give  universal  satisfaction.  Some  thought  it  encouraged 
domestic  manufactures,  etc.,  too  much ; others,  too  little. 

2.  The  year  1828  was  distinguished  for  party  strife  m the  election 
of  a president.  The  two  opposing  candidates  were  Adams,  the  in- 
cumbent, and  General  Jackson.  The  result  of  the  contest  was  the 
election  of  General  Jackson  by  a large  majority — one  hundred  and 


Chap.  CXCIL — 1.  What  bill  passed  in  Congress  in  the  year  1827?  2,  Who  were  tho 
candidates  for  the  presidency  in  the  year  1828?  Who  was  elected?  What  was  tho 
majority  of  votes  for  Jackson?  How  did  Jackson’s  adininistration  begin? 

32* 


378 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


seventy-eight  of  the  electoral  votes  being  given  for  him,  and  only, 
eighty-three  for  Adams.  It  was  a majority  which  even  the  friends  of 
General  Jackson  himself  hardly  expected.  His  administration  wag 
begun  by  the  appointment  of  a new  cabinet,  and  by  the  removal  from 
office  of  a great  number  of  individuals  known  to  be  unfriendly  to  his 
election. 

3.  During  the  year  1829,  John  Jay,  of  Bedford,  Kew  York,  died,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-four.  He  was  one  of  the  presidents  of  the  old 
Continental  Congress ; and,  without  a doubt,  one  of  the  greatest  men 
of  his  day.  He  was  a truly  good  as  well  as  a great  man. 

4.  Before  the  close  of  the  Congress  which  assembled  in  December 
1830,  a rupture  took  place  between  the  president  and  Calhoun,  vice- 
president,  which  produced  other  animosities  and  divisions ; and,  on  the 
20th  of  April,  1831,  the  cabinet  officers  of  the  president  all  resigned. 
During  the  summer,  however,  a new  cabinet  was  organized. 

5.  A treaty  of  peace  and  commerce  was  made,  in  the  year  1830,  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  the  government  of  Turkey ; a commercial 
treaty  was  also  concluded  with  Mexico.  Just  before  President  Jack- 
son  came  into  office.  General  Harrison,  afterward  President  Harrison, 
was  made  the  United  States  minister-plenipotentiary  to  Colombia. 

6.  On  the  10th  of  December,  1832,  Jackson  issued  his  celebrated 
proclamation  against  the  Nullifiers  of  South  Carolina.  These  politicians 
maintained  that  any  one  of  the  states  might  set  aside,  or  nullify^  any 
act  of  Congress  which  they  deemed  unconstitutional  and  oppressive. 
They  called  themselves  the  State  Eights  Party ^ inasmuch  as  they  as- 
serted the  rights  of  tlie  states  to  be  supreme. 

7.  These  views  had^been  entertained  from  the  adoption  of  the  con- 
stitution by  a few  individuals ; but,  until  the  period  of  which  we  are 
now  speaking,  they  had  not  produced  any  serious  results.  The  chief 
occasion  of  the  proceedings  in  South  Carolina,  already  adverted  to, 
was  the  existing  tariff  laws.  Conventions  of  that  state  passed  resolu- 
tions declaring  them  to  be  null  and  void ; and  formidable  preparations 
were  made  to  resist  their  execution. 

8.  President  Jackson’s  proclamation  was  aimed  at  these  proceedings. 
Great  anxiety  and  alarm  prevailed  in  the  country,  and  an  apprehension 
was  entertained  that  the  Union  was  soon  to  be  severed  by  the  open 
rebellion  of  the  state  of  South  Carolina.  In  this  state  of  things,  the 


3.  What  can  you  say  of  John  Jay  ? When  did  he  die  ? 4.  What  rupture  took  place  in 
1830?  What  of  the  cabinet?  5.  What  treaties  were  made  in  1830?  To  what  place  had 
General  Harrison  been  sent  as  minister?  6.  What  did  Jackson  do  in  1832?  Who  were 
the  Niillifiei'fi  ? What  did  they  call  themselves,  and  why?  7.  By  whom  had  these 
views  been  lon,;^  entertained?  What  was  the  occasion  of  the  feelings  existing  in  South 
Carolina?  What  was  done  by  conventions  in  that  state?  8.  What  anxiety  was  felt? 
What  was  the  effect  on  parties  ? 


PRESIDENT  JACKSON. 


379 


divisions  of  political  parties  were  momentarily  forgotten,  and  even  the 
opposers  of  the  president  rallied  on  the  side  of  his  proclamation.  Few 
were  found,  except  those  of  the  state  rights  party  of  South  Carolina, 
to  sustain  the  movements  of  the  nullifiers. 

9.  The  difficulty  was  at  length  pacified  by  the  Compromise  Act, 
brought  forward  by  Mr.  Clay,  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and 
passed  in  1833.  This  act  provided  for  a gradual  reduction  of  duties 
for  the  succeeding  ten  years,  when  they  should  sink  to  the  general 
level  of  twenty  per  cent. 

10.  This  compromise  act  went  into  operation,  and  continued  till 
1842,  when  it  was  superseded  by  a new  tariff  system,  as  will  be  here- 
after related. 


CHAPTEE  CXCIII. 

J ackson’s  Administration,  Continued. — His  Horthern 
Tour, — Removal  of  the  Deposits. — His  Second  Term. 

1.  On  counting  the  votes  for  president  and  vice-president  of  the 

United  States, 
in  the  early 
part  of  the  year 
1833,  President 
Jackson  was 
found  to  be  re- 
elected by  an 
overwhelming 
majority ; and 
Martin  Van 
Buren  was  cho- 
sen vice-pres- 
ident. 

2.  One  of  the 
early  acts  of 
the  president, 
during  his  sec- 
ond administration,  was  to  pay  a visit.  May  6th,  in  company  with  the 
members  of  his  cabinet  and  others,  to  Fredericksburg,  to  witness  the 


9.  How  was  the  difficulty  at  length  pacified  ? For  what  did  the  compromise  of  1833 
provide  ? 

Chap.  CXCIII. — 1.  Who  were  elected  president  and  vice-president  in  1833?  2.  What 

was  done  May  6th,  at  Fredericksburg,  in  Virginia? 


Jackson’s  tour. 


380 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


ceremony  of  laying  a corner-stone  of  a monument  to  the  mother  of 
Washington. 

3.  While  the  steamboat  which  conveyed  them  w^as  on  the  way  from 
Washington  to  Alexandria,  as  the  president  and  others  were  sitting  at 
dinner,  a dastardly  assault  was  made  by  one  Randolph,  late  a lieuten- 
ant in  the  navy,  on  the  president.  The  company,  however,  interfered, 
BO  that  Randolph  only  inflicted  a single  blow  in  the  face. 

4.  It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  say  here  that  the  centennial  birtli" 
day  of  Washington  had  been  celebrated  with  great  pomp  and  rejoicing 
throughout  the  United  States,  on  the  22d  of  February,  1832,  or  a little 
more  than  a year  before  the  corner-stone  was  laid  of  a monument  to 
his  mother’s  memory. 

5.  On  the  6th  of  June  1833,  the  president,  with  most  of  his  cabinet, 
set  out  on  a tour  through  the  New  England  states.  The  objects  of 
this  tour  were  similar  to  those  of  his  predecessors,  Washington  and 
Monroe;  and  he  was  received  everywhere  with  similar  demonstra- 
tions of  respect. 

6.  In  the  autumn  of  this  year,  the  president  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  deposits  of  the  public  moneys,  amounting  to  about  ten  millions 
of  dollars,  ought  to  be  removed  from  the  Bank  of  tlie  United  States, 
where  they  had  been  placed  for  twenty  years,  to  the  state  banks.  He 
deemed  this  change  necessary,  as  he  said,  in  order  to  preserve  the 
morals  of  the  people,  the  freedom  of  the  press,  and  the  purity  of  the 
elective  franchise.” 

7.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a contest  in  Congress,  respecting  the 
deposits,  which  continued  a long  time,  and  created  much  excitement 
throughout  the  country.  The  deposits  were,  however,  at  length  re- 
moved. 

8.  These  vast  sums  being  placed  in  the  local  banks  of  the  several 
states,  caused  an  immense  inflation  of  the  currency,  and  a consequent 
expansion  of  trade  and  speculation,  which  laid  the  foundation  of  a 
dreadful  state  of  panic  and  bankruptcy,  a short  time  after,  all  over  the 
United  States.  The  bitter  fruits  were  reaped  under  Van  Buren’s  ad- 
ministration. 


3.  What  outrage  was  committed  on  hoard  the  steamboat?  4.  When  was  Washington’s 
hundredth  birthday  celebrated?  5.  What  tour  was  made  by  Jackson  in  1833?  6. 

W'hat  great  change  was  determined  upon  by  the  president,  and  for  what  reason  ? 7. 
What  of  the  contest  which  was  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  the  deposits?  8.  Whai 
were  the  consequences  of  the  removal  of  the  deposits  ? 


STATE  OF  ARKANSAS. 


381 


CHAPTEE  CXCIY. 

Jackson’s  Administration,  Continued. — State  of  Arkansas, 
Indian  Territory, 

1.  Arkansas  was  admitted  into  the  Union,  as  an  independent  state, 

in  the  year  1836. 
This  state  lies  to 
the  southward  of 
Missouri,  and  was 
originally,  as  we 
have  elsewhere 
seen,  a part  of  it. 
It  has  a fine  cli- 
mate and  prolific 
soil,  and  is  proba- 
bly destined  to  be 
a very  important 
member  of  the 
confederacy. 

2.  The  earliest 
settlement  of 
whites,  within 

the  present  limits  of  this  state,  was  made  at  the  Indian  village  of 
Arkansas,  on  the  river  of  that  name,  in  the  year  1685.  The  first  in- 
habitants and  the  emigrants  who  joined  them,  for  many  years,  were 
French.  The  progress  of  the  colony  was  very  slow.  It  is  scarcely 
thirty  years  since  the  tide  of  emigration  from  the  Atlantic  states  began 
to  flow  in  that  direction. 

3.  Little  Lock,  the  early  seat  of  government,  and  present  capital, 
was  laid  out  in  1820.  The  first  steamboat  ascended  the  Arkansas  Eiver 
that  year.  It  was  eight  days  in  going  from  Uew  Orleans  to  the  vil- 
lage of  Arkansas,  which  is  scarcely  one  hundred  miles  above  the 
mouth  of  the  Arkansas  Eiver. 

4.  Arkansas  formerly  contained  within  its  bosom  the  remnants  of 
several  once  numerous  and  powerful  tribes  of  Indians.  By  a treaty 

’ made  between  the  United  States  and  the  Cherokees,  in  1833,  the  lat- 
ter agreed  to  give  up  to  the  United  States,  for  a sum  equal  to  five  mil- 
lions of  dollars,  or  more,  all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  to 


Chap.  CXCIY. — 1.  When  was  Arkansas  admitted  into  the  Union  ? Where  is  it  situa- 
ted ? 2.  When  was  the  earliest  white  settlement  made  there  ? Who  were  the  first  inhab- 
itants ? 3.  What  of  Little  Rock  ? What  can  you  say  of  the  first  steamboat  ? 4.  What  of 
Indian  tribes  in  this  stale  ? 


EARLY  SETTLEMENT  IN  ARKANSAS. 


382  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

retire  to  a region,  to  be  guaranteed  to  them,  in  the  present  state  of 
Arkansas. 

5.  Since  this  time,  most  of  the  Indian  tribes,  including,  beside  the 
Cherokees,  the  Chickasaws,  Choctaws,  Creeks,  Seminoles,  Senecas, 
and  many  others,  have  been  removed  to  a tract  between  the  state  of 
Arkansas  on  the  east,  and  Texas  on  the  west.  This  is  called  the 
Indian  Territory,  of  which  we  shall  hereafter  give  a more  particular 
account. 


CHAPTER  CXCV. 

Jackson’s  Administration,  Continued. — Mr,  Eives^s  Treaty 
with  France. — The  Florida  or  Seminole  War. 

% 

1.  In  1834,  owing  to  the  energetic  action  of  President  Jackson,  the 

French  government, 
at  the  head  of  which 
was  Louis  Philippe, 
who  had  succeeded 
Charles  X.,  driven 
from  his  throne  by 
the  insurrection  of 
1830,  agreed  to  pay 
the  sum  of  four  mil- 
lions of  dollars  for 
injuries  done  to 
American  commerce 
during  the  wars  of 
Xapoleon.  The 
treaty  for  the  ad- 
justment of  these 

OSCEOLA.  claims  was  negotiat- 

ed at  Paris  by  Wil- 
liam C.  Kives,  of  Virginia. 

2.  In  1835  commenced  what  is  called  the  Florida  War,  a disastrous 
and  harassing  conflict  with  the  Seminoles  and  Creeks,  which  continued 
till  184-2,  and  cost  our  treasury  forty  millions  of  dollars. 

3.  The  immediate  occasion  of  this  struggle  was  the  attempt  on  the 


5.  What  of  the  Indian  Territory  ? 

Chap.  CXGV. — 1.  What  of  Mr.  Rives’s  treaty  with  France?  2.  When  did  the  Florida 
var  conamence ? How  Ion?  did  it  continue  ? How  much  did  it  cost  our  government? 


THE  SEMINOLE  WAR. 


383 


part  of  our  government  to  remove  these  tribes  to  the  country  west  of 
the  Mississippi.  A treaty  to  this  effect  had  been  entered  into  by  cer- 
tain agents  of  the  Seminoles,  but  their  chief,  Mi-can'-o-py,  and  their 
leading  warrior,  Os-ce-o'-la,  denied  the  binding  force  of  this  engage- 
ment. 

4.  To  the  natural  desire  expressed  by  the  latter,  that  he  might  rest 
in  the  land  of  his  fathers,  and  his  children  sleep  by  his  side,  was  added 
a bitter  feeling  of  indignation  at  having  been  seized  /Tnd  put  in  irons 
by  General  Thompson,  the  agent  of  the  United  States.  Dissembling 
his  real  feelings,  and  pretending  to  consent  to  the  treaty  of  removal, 
Osceola  obtained  his  liberty ; but  only  to  commence  the  bloody  work 
of  revenge  and  slaughter. 

5.  The  American  commanders  in  this  quarter  were  soon  made 
aware  of  these  proceedings.  General  Clinch  was  at  the  time  stationed 
in  the  interior  of  Florida,  at  Fort  Drane,  and  being  in  want  of  supplies 
and  deemed  in  imminent  danger  fvom  the  Indians,  Major  Dade,  with 
one  hundred  and  ten  men  and  officers,  was  dispatched  from  Fort 
Brooke*  to  his  relief.  On  the  way,  December  28th,  Dade  was  sud- 
denly assailed  by  a large  party  of  Seminoles,  and  he  and  all  but  one 
of  his  men  were  killed,  or  mortally  wounded. 

6.  On  the  same  day.  General  Thompson,  while  dining  with  a few 
friends,  a short  distance  from  Fort  King,  was  suddenly  fired  upon  by  a 
party  headed  by  Osceola,  and  fell  pierced  with  fifteen  bullets.  Four 
others,  out  of  the  party  of  nine,  were  also  killed.  The  savages  rushed  in, 
Dcalped  their  victims,  and  fled,  before  they  could  be  arrested  by  the 
garrison.  On  the  31st  of  December,  General  Clinch  had  a severe  and 
bloody  conflict  with  the  Indians  on  the  banks  of  the  .With-la-coo'-chee, 
and  in  the  succeeding  February,  General  Gaines  was  attacked  by  them 
near  the  same  place. 

7.  In  May,  1836,  several  bands  of  Creeks  joined  the  Seminoles,  and 
the  war  raged  with  additional  fury.  In  Georgia  and  Alabama  steam- 
boats were  attacked,  stage-coaches  destroyed,  towns  burned,  and  many 
of  the  scattered  inhabitants  murdered.  A strong  force,  joined  by  many 
friendly  Indians,  was,  however,  sent  against  them,  and  they  submitted. 
During  the  summer  of  1838,  several  thousands  of  them  were  transferred; 
to  the  country  west  of  the  Mississippi. 


3.  What  was  the  immediate  occasion  of  this  war  ? What  of  Micanopy  ? Of  Osceola  ? 
4.  What  particular  feelings  of  hatred  had  Osceola?  What  of  his  dissith illation  ? 5.  What 
of  the  American  commanders  in  Florida?  What  of  General  Clinch?  Of  Major  Dade? 
6.  What  of  General  Thompson  ? What  of  .the  battle  of  Withlacoochee  ? 7,  What  of  the 
Creek  Indians  ? 

^ Fort  Brooke  is  at  the  head  of  Tampa  Bay,  which  lies  on  the  western  side  of  the 
peninsula  of  Florida.  Fort  Drane  is  seventy-five  miles  south-west  of  St.  Augustine,  and 
Fort  King  a few  miles  to  the  south-east  of  St.  Augustine. 


384 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


8.  The  remaining  history  of  the  Florida  war  belongs  to  a subsequent 
administration ; but  we  may  here  briefly  note  its  chief  events.  It  is 
necessary  to  state,  however,  that  in  February,  1836,  General  Scott  had 
been  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  army  in  Florida,  but  was  after- 
ward succeeded  by  General  Jessup. 

9.  In  October,  1837,  Osceola  presented  himself  with  a flag  of  truce ; 
Jessup  received  him,  and,  disregarding  the  flag,  seized  him,  and  sent 
him  to  Fort  Yl?ultrie,  near  Charleston,  where  he  died  the  following 
year.  According  to  his  education  and  condition,  this  savage  chief  was 
a patriot  and  a hero ; the  more  civilized  race  which  triumphed  over 
him,  only  gained  their  victory  by  adopting  the  treacherous  policy  of 
the  savage. 

10.  Though  they  had  lost  their  leader,  the  Seminoles  continued  the 
war.  In  1838,  Colonel  Taylor,  afterward  a renowned  general  in  the 
Mexican  war,  and  still  later  president  of  the  United  States,  pursued 
them  to  the  Everglades^  the  tangled  and  almost  inaccessible  swamps 
of  south-eastern  Florida.  A flerce  and  bloody  engagement  took  place 
on  the  25th  of  December,  which  led  to  a treaty  in  1839. 

11.  The  Seminoles  did  not,  however,  wholly  desist  from  their  dep- 
redations till  1842,  when  peace  was  finally  established.  Since  that 
time  they  have  ail  been  removed  to  the  Indian  Territory. 


CTIAPTEK  OXCYL 

Jackson’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  great  Fire  in 
New  YorJc^  December^  1835. — Decease  of  Eminent  Men^ 
Carroll  of  Carrollton^  Randolph  of  Roanohe^  and  John 
Marshall, — Blade  Ilawh  and  other  Indian  Chiefs, 

1.  About  the  period  of  wliich  we  are  writing  a remarkable  confla- 
gration occurred  in  the  city  of  New  York.  It  broke  out  on  the  night 
of  the  16th  of  December,  1835.  The  weather  at  the  time  was  ex- 
tremely severe,  and  the  water  of  the  hydrants  was  frozen ; the  fire, 
therefore,  raged  till  more  than  thirty  acres,  covered  with  dwellings  and 
warehouses,  were  laid  in  ashes.  More  than  five  hundred  buildings 
v/ere  destroyed,  and  property  to  the  amount  of  eighteen  millions  of 
dollars  consumed ! It  is  an  evidence  of  the  renovating  vigor  of  this 
great  city,  that  the  district  blackened  with  fire  was  in  a brief  period 


8.  What  occurred  in  1836?  9.  What  of  Osceola  and  General  Jessup?  Character  of 
Osceola?  10.  What  of  General  Taylor  ? 11.  What  occurred  in  1842  ? 

Chap.  CXCVI. — 1.  What  of  the  great  fire  in  New  York,  December  16th,  1835? 


DECEASE  OF  EMINENT  MEN.  385 

covered  with  buildi^jgs  of  far  greater  value  and  utility  than  those  which 
/lad  before  existed, 

2.  At  this  point  we  may  notice  the  decease  of  several  men  of  great 
public  distinction.  Monroe  had  died  on  the  4th  of  July,  1838,  as  we 
have  elsewhere  stated.  Charles  Carroll,  of  Carrollton,  in  Maryland, 
the  last  surviving  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  died  at 
the  great  age  of  ninety-six. 

3.  In  May,  1833,  John  Kandolph,  of  Koanoke  district,  in  Virginia,  a 
descendant  of  Pocahontas,  died  at  the  age  of  sixty.  He  had  served  in 
Congress  for  thirty  years,  and  at  some  periods  had  exercised  great  in- 
fluence ; his  eccentricity  of  personal  appearance  and  conduct,  his  bitter 
larcasra  and  venomous  wit,  together  with  occasional  flashes  of  elo- 
ijuence,  rendered  him  an  object  of  mingled  wonder,  admiration  and  fear. 
In  1830,  he  was  appointed  minister  to  Russia  by  President  Jackson. 

4.  In  1835,  John  Marshall,  of  Virginia,  died  at  the  age  of  eighty- 

flve.  He  had  been  many  years 
chief-justice  of  the  United 
States,  and  enjoyed  a degree 
of  confidence  and  personal  es- 
teem, on  the  part  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  similar 
to  that  bestowed  on  Washing- 
ton, Jay,  and  a few  other  men 
of  the  earlier  periods  of  our 
history. 

5.  In  the  autumn  of  1836, 
about  thirty  Indian  chiefs  and 
warriors,  of  the  Sacs  and 
Foxes,  wdth  others,  were  ta- 
ken on  a visit  through  some 
of  the  principal  cities  of  the 
United  States,  and  at  length 
arrived  in  Boston,  where  they 
were  received  with  much  cer- 
emony. They  were  exhibited 
at  the  State  House  andFaneuil 
Hall,  and  performed  a war- 
dance  on  the  Common.  The 
celebrated  chiefs  Keokuck 

and  Black  Hawk  were  among  them. 


2.  What  of  Ex-president  Monroe  ? Carroll  of  Carrollton  ? 3,  John  Randolph  ? 4.  Judge 
Marshall  f 5.  What  happened  in  the  fall  of  1836?  What  were  the  names  of  some  of 
^hose  Indians  who  came  to  Boston? 

33 


386 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


6.  The  latter  excited  great  interest  on  account  of  his  fine  personal 
appearance,  and  his  well  known  achievements.  He  had'heen  the  leader 
of  a portion  of  the  Winnebagoes  and  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  in  a war 
which  raged  in  Northern  Illinois,  in  the  year  1832.  While  other  chiefs 
submitted,  he  obstinately  maintained  the  fight,  though  he  was  finally 
defeated  and  captured. 

7.  He  was  kept  as  a prisoner ; but  after  his  tour  to  Boston,  in  which 
he  had  seen  the  power  of  the  whites,  of  which  before  he  had  no  con- 
ception, he  was  liberated,  and,  living  peaceably  for  a time,  he  died  in 
Iowa,  in  1838. 


CHAPTER  CXOVII. 


Jackson’s  Administration,  Continued. — Michigan  admit- 
ted into  the  Union. 


1:  On  the  25th  of  January,  1837,  a bill,  which  had  already  passed 
the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  for  the  admission  of  Michigan  to  the 
Union  as  a state,  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  by  a large 
majority ; and,  on  the  26th,  received  the  sanction  of  the  president. 

2.  Michigan  had  contained  sixty  thousand  inhabitants,  the  usual 
number  required  of  a new  state  as  one  of  the  qualifications  for  admis- 
sion, long  before 


CATHOLIC  PRIEST 


INSTRUCTING  THE  INDIANS. 


this  time,  but 
diflSculties  had 
presented  them- 
selves which 
were  not  adjust- 
ed till  now.  The 
population,  in 
1837,  was  nearly 
two  hundred 
thousand;  in 
1850,  it  was 
three  hundred 
and  ninety- 
seven  thousand 
six  hundred  and 
fifty-four;  in 
1860,  seven  hun- 


dred and  forty-nine  thousand  one  hundred  and  thirteen. 


6,  7.  What  of  Black  Tlawk? 

Chap.  CXCVII. — 1.  What  bill  passed  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  in  1837?  2.  Pop- 
ulation of  Michigan  at  different  periods  ? 


MICHIGAN  ADMITTED  INTO  THE  UNION.  387 


3.  The  Michigan  Territory,  when  first  discovered  by  the  white  peo- 
ple, was  inhabited  by  a tribe  of  Indians  called  Hurons  by  the  French, 
and  Iroquois  by  the  Indians  themselves.  Many  of  these  were  converted 
to  Christianity  by  the  assiduous  labors  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  as 
early  as  1648.  It  was  not,  however,  till  1670,  that  the  French  took 
possession  of  the  territory,  and  built  two  forts,  one  at  Detroit  and 
another  at  Michilimackinac ; nor  was  it  really  settled  till  thirty  years 
after. 

4.  The  progress  of  the  settlements,  under  the  French,  was  exceed- 
ingly slow.  It  was  not  till  the  year  1763,  when,  by  the  treaty  between 
Great  Britain  and  France,  it  was  ceded  to  the  former,  that  much  was 
done  in  the  way  of  civilization  and  improvement.  Little,  indeed,  was 
actually  accomplished  till  after  the  peace  of  1783,  when  the  territory 
was  given  up  by  Great  Britain  to  the  United  States. 

5.  Until  about  the  year  1800,  this  territory,  for  the  purposes  qf  gov- 
ernment, was  considered  a part  of  the  great  iJlorth- Western  Territory. 
After  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois  had  been  severally  detached,  the  re- 
mainder, in  1805,  became  a distinct  territory,  of  which  President  Jeffer- 
son made  General  Hull  the  first  governor. 

6.  Michigan  was  still  doomed  to  much  suffering,  especially  from  the 
war  of  1812.  For  almost  two  years,  nearly  the  whole  territory  was 
the  theatre  of  conflict,  and  was  necessarily  exposed  to  the  barbarity 
of  the  enemy  and  their  Indian  allies.  The  situation  of  the  state,  from 
its  contiguity  to  the  great  lakes,  is  almost  unrivalled,  and  Michigan  thus 
promises  to  be  one  of  the  leading  members  of  our  confederacy. 


3.  How  was  it  first  peopled  ? Who  converted  many  of  the  Indians  ? When  did  the 
French  build  two  forts  in  Michigan  ? When  was  Michigan  really  settled  ? 4.  When  was 
it  ceded  to  Great  Britain?  When  was  it  given  up  to  the  United  States?  5.  Relate  ita 
history  after  the  year  1800.  6.  How  did  Michigan  suffer  in  the  war  of  1813  ? 


888  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PRESIDENT  VAN  BUREN. 


CHAPTEE  OXCYIII. 

Van  Bijren’s  Administration,  begun  March  4th,  1837,  and 
ENDED  March  4th,  1841. — The  Extra  Session  of  Congress 
of  September  ^ 1837. — Commercial  Distress  of  the  Country, 
— Insurrection  in  Canada, — The  Border  Difficulties  in 
Maine, 

1.  In  1832  General  Jackson,  as  we  have  already  stated,  had  been  a 
second  time  chosen  to  the  presidency,  Henry  Olay,  of  Kentucky,  be- 
ing his  competitor.  At  the  same  time  Martin  Van  Buren,  of  Kew 
York,  was  elected  vice-president. 

2.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1837,  the  latter,  having  been  duly  chosen, 
was  inaugurated  as  the  eiglith  president  of  the  United  States.  As 
there  was  no  choice  of  a vice-president  by  the  people,  the  Senate 


Chap.  CXCVIII. — 1.  Who  was  re-elcctecl  president  in  1832?  Who  was  Jackson’s  com- 
petitor in  1832?  Who  was  chosen  vice-president  in  1832?  2,  Who  became  president  in 
1837  ? Who  became  Tice-president?  How  was  Richard  M.  Johnson  elected? 


PRESIDENT  VAN  BUREN.  389 

proceeded  according  to  the  manner  prescribed  by  the  constitution, 
and  elected  Richard  M.  Johnson  vice-president. 

3.  On  the  15th  of  May,  the  president  issued  a proclamation  requir- 
ing the  Congress  of  the  IJnited  States  to  meet  on  the  first  Monday  of 
September,  “ on  account  of  great  and  weighty  matters  claiming  their 
consideration.” 

4.  These  had  relation  to  the  financial  condition  of  the  country. 
During  the  months  of  March  and  April,  1837,  the  most  unprecedented 
embarrassments  were  experienced  among  the  mercantile  people  of  the 
United  States,  especially  in  the  large  cities  and  towns.  Suspensions 
and  failures  in  business  became  of  every-day  occurrence.  In  May, 
the  number  of  heavy  failures  in  NTew  York,  to  say  nothing  of  smaller 
ones,  had  risen  to  two  hundred  and  sixty. 

5.  In  Hew  Orleans,  the  difficulties  were  equally  great.  In  two  days, 
houses  stopped  payment  there,  the  aggregate  of  whose  debts  was 

more  than  twen- 
ty-seven million 
dollars ! In  Bos- 
ton, the  suffer- 
ing was  severe^ 
but  not  so  great 
as  in  many  other 
places.  FromHo- 
vember,  1836,  to 
May,  1837,  how- 
ever, there  were 
there  seventy- 
eight  large  fail- 
ures and  ninety 
small  ones,  in  all, 
one  hundred  and 

UNITED  STATES  BANK  AT  PHILADELPHIA.* *  slxty-elght.  In 

addition  to  these 

evils  the  national  treasury  was  itself  suddenly  plunged  into  a state  of 
bankruptcy. 


8.  What  proclamation  was  issued  in  May,  183T?  To  what  did  this  proclamation  refer? 
4.  What  distress  was  there  in  the  United  States  in  1837  ? How  many  failures  wer^ 
there  in  New  York  ? 5.  What  of  New  Orleans  ? What  of  Boston  ? 

* The  central  office  of  the  United  States  Bank,  was  at  Philadelphia,  and  a fine  marble 
building  was  devoted  to  its  use.  This  bank,  which  ceased^by  limitation  of  its  charter,  in 
1836,  to  be  a national  institiition,-was  rechartered  by  the  state  of  Pennsylvania  as  a state 
institution.  Thus  deprived  of  the  main  elements  of  its  strength,  and  being  imprudently 
managed,  it  was  involved  in  the  bankruptcy  which,  at  the  period  we  are  speakinsr  of, 
spread  over  the  country.  The  building  above  alluded  to,  which  is  still  one  of  the  orna- 
ments of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  is  now  used  for  the  Custom  House  of  that  city. 

33* 


390 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


6.  These  distresses  were,  to  a very  great  extent,  charged  upon  the 
government  and  its  measures ; that  is,  to  those  of  the  existing  as  well 
as  of  the  preceding  administration.  Especially  was  it  attempted  to 
trace  the  difficulties  to  the  war  which  had^been  made  by  President 
Jackson  upon  the  United  States  Bank,  together  with  various  other  acts 
relating  to  the  currency  of  the  country. 

7.  About  the  middle  of  May,  1837,  nearly  all  the  banks,  from  Bos- 
ton to  Baltimore,  suspended  specie  payments ; and  their  example  was 
soon  followed  by  the  moneyed  institutions  throughout  the  country. 
The  state  of  NTew  York  passed  a law  to  make  the  suspension  of  specie 
payments,  by  its  banks,  valid  for  one  year. 

8.  The  extra  session  of  Congress,  v/hich  had  been  called  in  view  of 
the  state  of  the  country,  continued  till  the  fourth  Monday  of  Decem- 
ber. The  people,  v/ho  had  generally  attributed  the  existing  evils  to 
the  action  of  government,  looked  to  that  source  for  a remedy.  Con- 
gress, however,  did  little  more  than  to  adopt  measures  for  replenishing 
the  treasury  of  the  United  States. 

9.  The  financial  evils  of  the  country  continued  rather  to  increase 
than  diminish.  A general  panic  continued,  and  as  bank-notes  were, 
to  a great  extent,  withdrawn  from  circulation,  and  as  the  currency  of 
the  country  was  thus  greatly  diminished,  commodities  fell  in  due  pro- 
portion. Under  the  influence  of  distrust,  property  of  all  kinds  lost  its 
value,  and  a general  state  of  depression  and  paralysis  continued  till  the 
year  1842* 


CHAPTER  OXCIX. 

Van  Buren’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Canadian 
Rehellion. — The  Border  Difficulties  in  Maine. 

1.  A SPECIES  of  insurrection  having,  during  the  year  1837,  broken 
out  in  Canada,  and  some  of  our  restless  and  lawless  citizens  on  the 
frontier  having  taken  part  in  it.  President  Van  Buren,  on  the  5th  of 
January,  1838,  issued  a proclamation  to  such  persons  to  return  peace- 
ably to  their  homes,  on  penalty  of  being  punished  according  to  the 
existing  laws  of  the  United  States. 

2.  On  the  14th  of  the  same  month,  a body  of  about  five  hundred 
American  and  Canadian  troops,  on  Navy  Island,  near  Niagara  Falls, 


6.  To  what  causes  was  this  distress  attributed  ? 7.  What  happened  in  May  1837  ? 8. 

What  was  done  by  Congress  at  the  extra  session  ? 9.  What  was  the  state  of  the  country 
at  this  time  ? 

Chap.  CXCIX.— 1.  What  of  an  insurrection  in  Canada  in  1837? 


THE  CANADIAN  REBELLION. 


391 


evacuated  the  island,  surrendSted  the  arms  belonging  to  the  United 
States  and  the  cannon  belonging  to  the  state  of  New  York,  and  dis- 
banded. They,  however,  took  a hostile  position,  soon  afterward,  at 
Bois  Blanc,  near  Detroit,  and  continued  their  warlike  designs. 

3.  On  the  1st  of  March  following,  about  six  hundred  more  of  the 
patriots^''''  as  they  called  themselves,  under  the  command  of  Dr. 

Eobert  Nelson  and  Colonel  Cote,  surrendered  to  General  Wool,  of 
the  United  States  army,  near  the  Canada  line,  in  Vermont;  and  the 
border  war  seemed  at  length  to  be  over, 

4.  But  the  troubles  were  not  yet  at  an  end.  An  attempt  was  made, 
November  13th,  by  about  three  hundred  Canadians  and  inhabitants  of 
the  United  States,  to  take  Prescott,  in  Upper  Canada.  Between  the 
13th  and  16th,  one  hundred  and  two  of  them  were  killed  and  sixty 
taken  prisoners.  On  the  16th,  one  hundred  more  surrendered  near 
Prescott.  The  rest  fled  to  the  woods. 

5.  President  Van  Buren  now  issued  a second  proclamation,  the  ob- 
ject of  which  was,  to  warn  all  who  should  persist  in  the  scheme  of 
invading  Canada,  that,  to  whatever  miseries  or  suflferings  they  might 
reduce  themselves,  or  become  reduced,  the  government  of  the  United 
States  would  never  interfere  in  their  behalf;  but  they  must  be  left  to 
the  consequences  of  their  folly.  This  course  appears  to  have  had  its 
due  effect. 

6.  While  the  preceding  difflculties  were  at  their  height,  a long 
pending  dispute  as  to  the  boundary  between  the  state  of  Maine  and  the 
contiguous  British  province  of  New  Brunswick,  suddenly  assumed  a 
very  threatening  aspect,  and  actually  led  to  preparations  for  armed 
hostilities  between  the  two  countries. 

U The  militia  of  Maine  and  the  forces  of  the  province  were  called 
out,  and  an  immediate  collision  was  imminent.  In  this  emergency, 
the  president  sent  General  Scott  to  the  scene  of  disturbance,  and  he 
was  able,  by  his  sagacity,  prudence  and  good  management,  to  adjust 
the  dispute  for  the  time.  The  boundary  was  finally  settled  by  treaty 
at  Washington,  August  20th,  1842. 


2.  What  was  done  in  January,  183T  ? What  further  occurred  on  the  14th  of  the  same 
month  ? 3.  What  surrender  was  made  to  General  Wool  ? 4.  What  happened  in  Novem- 
ber ? How  many  were  killed  ? How  many  surrendered  ? 5.  What  proclamation  did 
Van  Buren  now  issue?  6.  What  of  the  difficulty  as  to  the  Maine  boundary?  7,  Whai 
of  General  Scott?  When  was  the  question  finally  settled? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


ci92 


CHAPTEE  CC. 

Van  Buren’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Smith- 
sonian Institute. — The  Patent- Office  and  General  Post- 
Office  Burned. — The  Exploring  Expedition. — The  Suh- 
Treasury.  ^ 

1.  The  pecLiniarj  difficulties  of  the  country  did  not  wholly  prevent 
the  diffusion  of  intelligence  or  the  spread  of  a spirit  for  public  improve- 
ment. Indeed,  a zeal  for  literary  and  moral  culture  seems  to  have 
pervaded,  unusually,  all  ranks  and  classes  of  the  community.  Several 
national  measures,  for  literary  and  scientific  improvement,  were  agi- 
tated. 

2.  On  the  17th  of  December,  1835,  the  president  of  the  United 
States  communicated  to  Congress  a report  of  the  secretary  of  state  re- 
lating to  a bequest  of  one  hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling,  or  about 
five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  from  James  Smithson,  of  London,  to 
the  United  States,  for  the  purpose  of  founding  at  Washington  an  estab- 
lishment to  be  called  “ The  Smithsonian  Institution,  for  the  increase 
and  diffusion  of  knowledge  among  men.” 

3.  This  bequest  created,  at  first  quite  a sensation  in  the  United 
States,  and  a good  deal  of  interest  was  manifested  with  regard  to  its 
proper  application.  The  subject  was  permitted  to  rest  till  the  year 
1846,  when  an  act  was  passed  for  establishing  the  Smithsonian  Insti- 
tution^ at  Washington.  It  is  devoted  to  scientific  purposes,  and  an 
ample  building  has  been  erected  for  its  use.* * 

4.  A remarkable  fire  took  place  at  Washington,  December  15th, 
1836,  during  which  the  patent-office  and  post-office  were  burned. 
Among  the  contents  of  the  patent-office  thus  destroyed,  were  seven 
thousand  models  of  patents,  out  of  ten  thousand  which  had  been  granted 
by  Congress ; one  hundred  and  sixty -three  large  folio  volumes  of  records ; 


Chap.  CC. — 1.  What  of  improvement  in  literature  and  morals?  2.  What  of  the 
Smithsonian  bequest?  3.  What  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution?  4.  What  fire  was  there 
at  Washington  in  1836?  What  valuable  things  were  burned  in  the  patent-office? 

* The  Smithsonian  Institution  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  Washington;  the  build- 
ing is  in  that  style  of  architecture  called  Bomanesque  ; it  has  a fine  appearance,  and  is  one 
of  the  great  attractions  of  the  city.  The  grounds  around  it  are  extensive  and  beauti- 
ful. The  beneficial  influence  of  this  important  establishment  is  already  felt;  it  has 
printed  several  scientific  works  of  great  value,  and  has  extensive  collections  in  nat- 
ural-history, as  well  as  general  literature  and  science.  The  great  library  room,  which 
has  already  a- large  number  of  valuable  works,  is  capable  of  containing  one  hundred  thou- 
sand volumes;  the  lecture-room  can  seat  twelve  hundred  persons : the  rooms  for  the 
museum  and  chemical  experiments  are  spacious  and  convenient. 


THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTE. 


393 


twenty-six  large  portfolios,  containing  nine  thousand  valuable  draw- 
ings, and  ten  thousand  original  descriptions  of  inventions. 

5.  It  was  a most  severe  calamity  to  the  country,  and  calculated  to 
damp,  in  no  small  degree,  the  rising  spirit  of  public  improvement.  The 
misfortune  was  the  more  to  be  regretted,  as  it  was  believed  to  be  the 
work  of  incendiaries.  It  is  gratifying  to  know,  however,  that,  through 
the  activity  of  Mr.  Ellsworth,  the  superintendent  at  the  time,  the  loss 
by  the  fire  was,  in  a great  measure,  repaired. 

6.  On  the  18th  of  August,  1838,  the  Vincennes,  a sloop  of  war,  of 
twenty  guns,  the  Peacock,  of  eighteen  guns,  the  Porpoise,  of  ten  guns, 
and  three  smaller  vessels,  departed  on  an  Exploring  Expedition,  having 
on  board  a number  of  learned  men,  in  the  various  departments  of 
natural  science.  The  fieet  set  sail  from  Hampton  Roads,  in  Virginia. 

7.  The  squadron  returned  in  June,  1842,  after  an  absence  of  nearly 
four  years,  having  circumnavigated  the  globe,  and  visited  and  actually 
surveyed  many  parts  before  unknown.  It  accomplished  fully  the  ob- 
jects for  which  it  was  designed.  The  various  vessels  of  the  squadron 
sailed,  during  their  absence,  about  four  hundred  thousand  miles.  Only 
eight  of  the  men  died  of  disease  during  the  whole  term  of  absence ! 

8.  Among  other  things,  the  squadron  brought  home  a large  and  val- 
uable collection  of  live  plants,  bulbs,  etc.,  collected  in  the  islands  of 
the  Pacific,  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  elsewhere,  which  were 
placed  in  a garden  at  Washington.  They  brought  a valuable  collec- 
tion of  prepared  specimens  of  plants  and  animals,  which  are  now  de- 
posited in  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 

9.  They  also  brought  with  them  a chief  of  the  Figi  [fee' ■'jee'\  Islands, 
who,  with  others,  had  massacred  and  eaten  the  crew  of  a brig  from 
Salem,  Massachusetts.  They  also  discovered,  January  19th,  1840,  what 
was  supposed  to  be  the  shore  of  an  antarctic  continent.* *  Along  this 
they  coasted  for  seventeen  hundred  miles,  from  east  to  west. 

10.  The  proceedings  against  the  Bank  of  the  United  States,!  with 
the  removal  of  the  public  deposits,  and  the  discussion  which  grew  out  of 
it,  led  to  the  introduction  of  a bill  into  Congress,  called  the  Suh- 


5.  What  was  the  effect  of  this  misfortune  ? 6.  What  Exploring  Expedition  set  out 

from  Hampton  Koads ? 7.  What  did  it  accomplish?  How  long  was  it  absent?  How 
many  miles  did  the  vessels  sail?  8.  What  was  brought  home?  9.  What  of  a Figi  chief? 
What  continent  had  they  discovered?  10.  What  can  you  say  of  the  sub-treasury  bill  ? 

* This  continent  was  situated  about  two  thousand  miles  south  of  New  Holland,  or 
Australia;  on  the  same  day  a part  of  the  same  coast  was  seen  by  Commodore  d'Urville^ 
of  a French  exploring  expedition. 

t The  Bank  of  the  United  States  was  chartered  in  1816,  for  twenty  years.  General 
Jackson  vehemently  opposed  its  recharter  in  1836,  and  he  was  finally  successful  (see  note 
page  389) . The  sub-treasury  was  designed  to  furnish  depositories  for  the  public  moneys, 
as  the  United  States  and  its  branches  had  done,  for  twenty  years,  prior  to  the  removal  of 
the  deposits  by  General  Jackson. 

17* 


394 


PISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Treasury  or  Independent  Treasury  bill ; which,  during  the  session  of 
1839-40,  underwent  a thorough  discussion. 

11.  The  object  of  this  bill  was  to  provide  for  the  collection,  safe- 
keeping, transfer,  and  disbursement  of  the  public  revenue  of  the  United 
States,  without  any  connection  with,  or  dependence  on  banks.  A part 
of  the  plan  was  to  have  the  revenue,  after  a reasonable  time,  wholly 
paid  in  gold  and  silver  of  the  United  States  currency. 

12.  This  bill  passed  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  on  the  23d  of 
January  1840,  but  did  not  pass  the  House  of  Eepresentatives  till  the 
30th  of  June  following.  It  was  so  radical  a change  that  it  created  a 
very  strong  sensation  throughout  the  United  States,  and  was  repealed 
immediately  after  the  accession  of  General  Harrison  to  the  presidency. 
It  was,  however,  restored  on  the  accession  of  Mr.  Polk,  in  1845,  and 
has  since  been  in  operation. 


n.  What  was  the  object  of  the  sub-treasury  ? 12..  When  did  it  pass  the  Senate  ? When 
the  House  of  Representatives  ? Why  did  it  create  so  much  sensation  ? What  of  the  repeal 
and  restoration  of  this  law  ? 


PRESIDENT  HARRISON.- 


395 


PRESIDENT  HARRISON. 


OHAPTEE  CCl. 

Harrison’s  Administration,  begun  March  4th,  1841. — . 
The  Democratic  Party, — The  Whig  Party, — The  Har- 
rison CamjyaignT — Harrison  and  Tyler  elected, — The 
Extra  Session, — HarrisoPs  Death, 

1.  We  now  approacti  a period  of  great  political  excitement  in  the 
United  States.  General  Jackson  had  enjoyed  an  unexampled  degree  of 
popularity.  The  party  wdiich  had  held  the  name  of  Eepublican  from 
the  time  of  Jefferson  down  to  the  period  of  the  war,  had  now  assumed 
the  name  of  Democracy.  Jackson  became  its  head,  and  such  was  the 
favor  bestowed  on  him  by  his  political  friends,  that  for  a time  they 
assumed  the  name  of  tlie  Jachson  party . 


Chap.  CCI. — 1.  What  had  General  Jackson  enjoyed  ? What  of  the  Republican  party  > 


396 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


2.  Mr.  Van  Buren  had  been  the  avowed  candidate  of  General  Jack- 
son  as  his  successor,  and  with  the  great  weight  of  his  influence,  he  was 
elected  in  the  flrst  instance — that  is  in  1836 — over  his  compe'titor, 
General  Harrison.  In  acknowledgment  of  the  services  thus  rendered, 
Mr.  Van  Buren  declared  it  as  his  chief  ambition  to  walk  in  the  foot- 
steps of  his  Illustrious  Predecessor. 

3.  Though  the  country,  at  the  close  of  Jackson’s  administration,  had 
appeared  to  be  in  a state  of  general  prosperity,  a tempest  of  bank- 
ruptcy and  ruin,  as  we  have  seen,  soon  after  suddenly  overwhelmed 
the  country,  from  one  end  to  the  other. 

4.  A very  extensive  impression  prevailed  that  these  disasters  were 
the  legitimate  result  of  the  system  adopted  by  Jackson,  and  followed 
Tp  by  Van  Buren.  Even  some  of  those  who  held  that  the  Bank  of 
the  United  States  ought  not  to  have  been  continued,  and  that  some 
new  financial  system  ought  to  have  been  adopted,  believed  that  the 
mode  in  which  the  change  had  been  effected,  was  rash,  and  was  carried 
on  more  in  a partisan  than  a patriotic  spirit. 

5.  At  all  events,  the  country  in  1840,  when  the  election  for  a suc- 
cessor to  Mr.  Van  Buren  was  approaching,  was  in  a state  of  the  most 
calamitous  prostration.  Thousands  of  our  citizens  were  in  a condi- 
tion of  hopeless  bankruptcy ; manufactures  were  ruined,  property  was 
without  value,  and  labor  without  reward. 

6.  The  l^ederal  ^arty  had  ceased  to  exist : the  opponents  of  Jack- 
son  and  the  system  which  emanated  from  his  administration,  had  taken 
the  name  of  the  Whig  ‘party.  Again  nominating  William  Henry  Har- 
rison, the  wise  and  experienced  governor  of  the  Horth- Western  Ter- 
ritory, a successful  general  in  the  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  now 
a farmer  at  North  Benf  on  the  Ohio,  for  their  candidate,  the  Whigs 
went  into  the  political  contest  with  numerous  advantages. 

7.  The  canvass  for  several  months,  prior  to  the  day  of  election, 
created  the  most  intense  excitement  throughout  the  United  States.  The 
business  of  the  country  being  generally  paralyzed,  the  people  had 
time  to  bestow  upon  their  political  affairs.  Everywhere  long  proces- 
sions with  mottoed  banners  were  seen  marching  to  music,  and  every- 
where the  debate  of  the  pending  questions  was  heard  in  the  streets, 
in  fields  and  barns,  and  in  vacant  factories,  in  the  haunts  of  the 
citizen,  the  mechanic,  the  artisan,  and  the  farmer. 

8.  The  result  was  such  as  might  have  been  expected.  Harrison  was 

2.  What  of  General  Jackson  as  to  Mr.  Yan  Biiren’s  candidacy  for  the  presidency  ? 
What  did  Mr.  Yan  Buren  acknowledge?  3.  State  of  the  country  at  the  close  of  and 
after  Jackson’s  administration?  4.  What  extensive  impression  prevailed?  What  did  some 
of  those  opposed  to  a United  States  Bank  believe?  5.  What  was  the  actual  state  of  the 
•ountry  in  1840  ? 6.  What  of  the  Federal  party  at  this  time  ? The  Whig  party  ? What  of 
William  Henry  Harrison?  7.  Describe  the  canvass  of  1840. 


DEATH  OF  HARRISON.  397 

elected  president  by  an  immense  majority,  and  John  Tyler,  of  Vir- 
ginia was  chosen  vice-president. 

9.  A new  cabinet  was  immediately  organized,  and,  in  view  of  the 
state  of  public  sentiment  and  the  condition  of  the  country,  an  extra 
session  of  Congress  was  ordered ; but,  in  the  midst  of  his  career.  Gen- 
eral Harrison  was  seized  with  sickness,  and  died  in  about  one  month 
after  his  inauguration ! 


8.  Wkat  of  the  result?  9.  What  of  a new  cabinet? 


34 


r 


398 


HISTORV  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PRESIDENT  TYLER. 


CHAPTEE  con. 

Tyler’s  Administration,  begun  April  4th,  1841,  and  ended 
March  4th,  1845. — Measures  of  the  Extra  Session, 
— Rupture  of  Tyler  with  his  Cabinet  and  his  Party, — 
The  Webster- Ashburton  Treaty, 

1.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  provides  that,  in  case  of 
the  death  of  the  chief  magistrate,  the  vice-president  shall  be  his  suc- 
cessor. Mr.'  Tyler  was,  therefore,  the  constitutional  successor  of  Presi^ 
dent  Harrison,  and  immediately  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties 

2.  The  extra  session  of  Congress  called  by  General  Harrison  com 
menced  on  the  31st  day  of  May,  1841,  and  continued  to  the  13th  day 
of  September.  Several  important  measures  were  brought  forward, 
and  either  adopted  or  defeated.  The  Sub-Treasury  was  repealed,  and. 


Chap.  CCII. — 1.  What  does  the  Constitution  provide?  Who  succeeded  Harrison^ 
2.  What  important  acts  were  passed  by  the  extra  session  called  by  Harrison? 


MEASURERS  OF  THE  EXTRA  SESSION 


399 


DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


after  much  discussion,  a general  Bankrupt  Law  was  passed.  Two 
several  bills  passed  both  houses  of  Congress,  chartering  a new  bank 
of  the  United  States,  but  thej  were  vetoed  by  President  Tyler. 

3.  This  course,  on  the  part  of  the  chief  magistrate,  was  regarded  by 
the  party  who  had  elected  him  as  a violation  of  his  pledges ; and,  con-  • 
sequently,  a state  of  complete  alienation  grew  up  between  him  and 
those  to  whom  he  was  indebted  for  his  election.  His  entire  cabinet, 
with  one  exception,  that  of  Daniel  Webster,* *  secretary  of  state,  re- 
signed, and  the  president  was  generally  denounced  by  his  late  sup- 
porters. 

4.  In  the  year  1842  several  important  events  occurred.  A treaty  was 
negotiated  at  Washington  between  Mr.  Webster,  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States,  and  Lord  Ashburton,  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain, 


3.  What  course,  pursued  by  Tyler,  alienated  his  political  friends  ? What  of  his  cabi- 
net? 4.  What  of  the  treaty  negotiated  by  Mr.  Webster  and  Lord  Ashburton  ? 

* Mr.  W ebster  was  very  much  blamed  at  this  time  by  many  of  the  Whig  party  for  not 
leaving  the  cabinet  with  his  associates  ; but  the  important  measures  at  that  time  in  his 
hands,  and  which  he  afterward  brought  to  completion,  seemed  to  him  to  require  his  re- 
maining  at  his  post;  and  this  view  has  since  been  generally  adopted  by  the  public. 


400 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNiTED^STATES. 


whicli  was  soon  after  ratified  by  the  two  countries.  This  treaty  hap- 
pily adjusted  the  dispute  in  relation  to  the  north-eastern  boundary  of 
the  United  States,  which  had  existed  for  almost  thirty  years,  and  had 
nearly  produced  hostilities  between  the  state  of  Maine  and  the  prov- 
ince of  New  Brunswick,  as  we  have  already  stated. 

6.  It  also  settled  several  other  difficulties  existing  between  the  two 
countries,  and  dissipated  the  prospects  of  war,  which  had  long  been 
threatened.  The  negotiations  were  conducted  with  great  frankness 
and  fairness  on  -the  part  of  the  two  diplomatists,  and  offered  a singular 
contrast  to  the  artifice  and  trick  which  have  generally  marked  national 
diplomacy.  We  may,  at  least,  hope  that  an  example  so  consonant  to 
the  enlightened  age  in  which  we  live,  shall  become  the  guide  of  all 
future  statesmen. 


CHAPTEE  CCIII. 

Tyler’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Tarif  of 
1842. — The  Dorr  Debellion. — Fatal  Explosion  on,  the 
Potomac. 

1.  At  the  close  of  the  session  of  Congress,  in  1842,  a new  tariff  act 
was  passed,  after  an  elaborate  discussion,  designed  to  give  encourage- 
ment to  the  various  industrial  pursuits  of  our  own  country,  as  well  as 
to  supply  the  treasury  of  the  general  government.  This  act  was  fol- 
lowed by  a speedy  revival  of  trade — a restoration  of  commercial  con- 
fidence, and  a return  of  prosperity  throughout  the  land.* * 

2.  The  year  1842  was  signalized  by  an  agitation  in  Khode  Island, 
• headed  by  Thomas  W.  Dorr,  a lawyer  of  that  state.  The  design  of 

this  movement  was  to  set  aside  the  ancient  charter  of  that  state,  which 
still  continued  to  be  its  constitution,  and  this  was  to  be  done  by  spon- 
taneous and  unauthorized  acts  of  the  people,  and  not  according  to 
legal  forms. 

8.  The  oppbsers  of  this  movement,  called  the  Charter  'party ^ were 
willing  to  adopt  a new  and  more  liberal  constitution,  but  they  main- 
tained that  this  should  be  done  in  a legal  and  authentic  manner.  Upon 


5.  What  of  other  difficulties  ? What  may  be  said  of  the  manner  in  which  the  negotia- 
tions were  conducted  ? 

Chap.  CCIII. — 1.  What  of  the  new  tariff  of  1842?  Its  effect?  2.  Describe  the  rebellion 
of  Dorr  in  Rhode  Island.  3.  What  was  desired  by  the  Charter  party  ? 

* This  tariff  act  was  superseded  by  another  in  1846,  after  the  election  of  Mr.  Polk. 
This  reduced  the  duties,  and  based  them  upon  valuation.,  instead  of  being  specific,.,  as  in 
the  tariff  of  1842 . 


THE  DORR  REBELLION.  401 

the  mode  of  forming  a new  constitution,  parties  were  formed,  and  a 
violent  state  of  excitement  followed. 

4.  The  revolutionary  party  actually  proceeded  to  the  formation  and 
adoption  of  a constitution,  and  elected  Dorr  as  governor,  with  a legis- 
lature. These  oflScers  met  at  Providence  in  1843,  passed  various  acts, 
and  adjourned. 

5.  Matters  soon  came  to  a crisis.  The  existing  government  caused 
several  persons  engaged  in  this  movement,  to  be  arrested,  and  Dorr 
resorted  to  arms.  With  a small  hand  of  followers,  he  threatened  to 
attack  the  arsenal  at  Providence,  hut  being  deserted  by  a part  of  his 
adherents,  he  fled ; on  the  borders  of  the  state  he  collected  a number 
of  persons,  most  o^  them  from  the  city  of  New  York  and  the  states 
adjacent  to  Rhode  Island,  and,  proceeding  to  the  village  of  Che-pach'-et, 
began  to  intrench  himself  there. 

6.  He  had,  it  is  supposed,  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  but  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  state  had  now  assembled  a large  force,  and  these  began 
their  march  upon  the  insurgents.  Perceiving  the  hopelessness  of  his 
enterprise,  and  now  finding  that  a large  majority  of  the  people  of  the 
state  were  opposed  to  his  proceedings,  Dorr  withdrew,  and  his  men 
were  speedily  dispersed. 

7.  Subsequent  to  this,  the  friends  of  law  and  order  in  the  state  suc- 
ceeded in  forming  and  establishing  a new  constitution,  according  to 
the  prescribed  forms,  and  this  went  quietly  into  full  operation,  by  the 
sanction  of  a large  majority  of  the  people.  Dorr  was  tried  and  im- 
prisoned, but  afterward  released. 

8.  In  March,  1843,  a tragical  event  occurred  on  board  the  United 
States  steamship  Princeton.  She  was  returning  from  an  excursion 
down  the  Potomac,  under  command  of  Commodore  Stockton,  hav- 
ing the  president,  with  his  secretaries  and  their  families,  and  several 
members  of  Congress,  on  board.  By  the  bursting  of  a gun,  Mr. 
Upshur,  secretary  of  state,  and  Mr.  Gilmer,  secretary  of  the  navy, 
were  killed,  and  seventeen  other  persons  were  wounded,  some  of  them 
mortally. 


4.  The  revolutionary  party  ? 5.  What  was  done  by  Dorr  ? Where  did  he  intrench 
himself?  6 What  force  had  he  ? What  did  he  finally  do  ? 7.  What  constitution  was 
formed  ? What  was  done  with  Dorr  ? 8.  What  of  the  steamship  Princeton  ? 

34* 


402 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


CHAPTEE  CCIV. 


Tyler’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Celehration  of  the 
Completion  of  the  Bunher  Hill  Monument, — Iowa  and 
Florida  admitted  into  the  Union,  — Annexation  of 
Texas  / its  admission  into  the  Union, 

1.  The  summer  of  1843  was  marked  by  one  of  the  most  imposing 
spectacles  that  has  ever  been  witnessed  in 
the  United  States.  On  the  iTth  of  June, 
an  immense  concourse  of  people  wa^  as- 
sembled upon  Bunker  Hill,  to  celebrate  the 
completion  of  the  noble  monument  erected 
in  commemoration  of  the  battle  that  was 
fought  there  sixty-eight  years  before,  and 
which  marks  the  very  spot  where  the 
patriotic  Warren  fell. 

2.  In  the  presence  of  nearly  thirty  thou- 
sand spectators,  among  whom  were  the 
president  of  the  United  States  and  his 
cabinet,  Mr.  Webster  pronounced  one  of  the 
most  impressive  orations  that  ever  fell*  from 
human  lips. 

3.  In  addition  to  the  natural  interest 
belonging  to  this  ceremonial,  it  was 
remarked,  as  a grate- 
ful  tribute  to  the  high 


BUNKER  HILL  MONUMENT. 


state  of  civilization  which  characterizes  the  people,  that,  though  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  strangers  were  that  day  in  the  city  of  Bos- 


Ohap,  CCIV. — 1.  Describe  the  celebration  at  Boston  of  June  17th,  1843.  2.  What  of 

Daniel  Webster?  3.  What  was  remarked  of  the  people  of  Boston? 


TREATY  WITH  CHIJSA-  4(i3 

ton  and  the  vicinity,  not  an  instance  of  riot  occurred,  nor  was  a soli- 
tary individual  sent  to  the  watch-house  during  the  ensuing  night ! 

4.  We  may  at  least  hope  and  believe  that,  in  spite  of  the  various  con- 
vulsions which  have  occurred  for  the  last  few  years,  the  standard  of  mor- 
als, in  our  country,  is  higher  than  at  any  former  period  of  our  history. 

5.  On  the  10th  of  January,  1845,  an  important  treaty  with  China, 
negotiated  by  Caleb  Cushing,  of  Massachusetts,  with  the  Governor- 
General,  Tsiyeng,  on  behalf  of  the  Emperor  Taou  Kwang,  was  ratified 
by  the  Senate.  By  this  treaty,  the  relations  of  our  country  with  China 
were  placed  on  a more  favorable  footing  than  ever  before. 

6.  During  this  year,  1845,  bills  for  the  admission  of  two  new  states 
into  the  Union,  Iowa  and  Florida,  were  passed  by  Congress.  The  first 
was  rejected  by  the  people  of  that  territory ; the  latter  was  accepted, 
and  Florida,  as  already  stated,  becaipe  one  of  the  United  States. 
Iowa* *  was  admitted  the  next  year. 

7.  On  the  1st  of  March,  1845,  the  president  signed  the  bill  for  the 
annexation  of  Texasf  to  the  Union.  This  measure  had  been  some  time 
in  contemplation,  and  in  1844  had  been  attempted  by  a treaty  on 
the  part  of  President  Tyler.  Now  the  subject  was  presented  in  a dif- 
ferent form  and  consummated  by  Congress.  Texas  was  soon  after  ad- 
mitted as  a state. 

4.  What  may  we  hope?  5.  What  of  the  new  treaty  with  China?  6.  What  of  Iowa? 
Florida?  7.  The  annexation  of  Texas? 

* Iowa  derives  its  name  from  the  Indians;  it  was  i.icluded  in  the  Louisiana  purchase, 
and  was  first  settled  at  Dubuque  by  the  French  in  1686.  It  formed  part  of  the  Missouri 
territory  from  1804  to  1821,  when  it  was  included  in  the  Michigan  Territory,  and  subse- 
quently in  the  Wisconsin  Territory. 

t The  vast  territory  of  Texas  was  explored  by  Ponce  de  Leon  and  La  Salle.  It  was 
claimed  both  by  Spain  and  France,  but  fell  under  the  dominion  of  the  latter.  It  how- 
ever continued  to  be  almost  without  pofrulation,  except  roving  bands  of  Indians.  After 
Mexico  became  independent,  a grant  which  had  been  made  to  Moses  Austin,  a native  of 
Connecticut,  comprising  a large  tract  in  this  province,  was  confirmed  by  the  new  govern' 
mcnt.  This  being  transferred  by  Moses  Austin,  at  his  death,  to  his  son  Stephen,  was 
afterward  extended  by  a further  grant.  Emigration  from  the  United  States  was  en- 
couraged, and  in  1880  nearly  ten  thousand  Americans  had  settled  in  this  territory. 

The  prosperity  of  these  inhabitants  excited  the  jeaiousy  of  Mexico,  and  under  the  gov- 
ernment of  Santa  Anna,  an  unjust  and  oppressive  policy  was  adopted.  Remonstrance 
being  found  to  be  useless,  the  people  of  Texas  declared  their  independence.  In  1835,  the 
revolution  commenced  by  a battle  at  Gonzales,  in  which  five  hundred  Texans  obtained 
a victory  over  one  thousand  Mexicans.  Other  engagements  took  place,  the  result  of 
which  was  the  dispersion  of  the  Mexican  army. 

Santa  Anna  now  made  a vigorous  effort,  and  appearing  in  March  with  a force  of  eight 
thousand  men,  several  bloody  engagements  followed.  On  the  21st  of  April,  having  a forc^ 
of  fifteen  hundred  soldiers,  he  was  met  by  General  Samuel  Houston,  on  the  banks  of  the 
San  Jacinto,  with  eight  hundred  Texans,  and  totally  defeated.  Santa  Anna  himself 
was  captured  the  next  day  in  the  w’oods,  and  acknowledged  the  independence  of  Texas, 
though  the  Mexican  Congress  refused  to  ratify  this  act.  Active  hostilities  were  now  aban- 
doned by  Mexico,  and  the  independence  of  Texas  was  acknowledged  by  the  United  States, 
France,  Great  Britain,  and  other  European  countries.  It  was  in  this  state  of  things  that 
Texas  was  annexed  to  the  Uniied  States. 


404 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Polk’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1845,  to  March 
4th,  1849. — Death  of  GeneralJackson, — His  Character. 

1.  The  presidential  election  of  the  autumn  of  1844  was  keenly  con- 
tested, and  resulted  in  the  choice  of  James  K.  Polk,  of  Tennessee,  the 
democratic  candidate  for  president,  against  Henry  Clay,  the  whig  can- 
didate. George  M.  Dallas,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  elected  vice-president. 
Mr.  Polk  and  Mr.  Dallas  were  duly  inaugurated  March  4th,  1845.. 

2.  On  the  8th  of  June  of  this  year  General  Jackson  breathed  his 
last,  at  his  residence  in  Tennessee,  called  the  Hermitage.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  energy  of  character,  and  during  his  presidency  was  the 
idol  of  his  party.  As  he  had  warm  friends,  so  he  had  bitter  enemies 
a fact  which  is  easily  comprehended  when  we  consider  the  general  re 
suit  of  his  administration. 


Chap  COV. — 1.  What  of  the  election  of  the  autumn  of  1844?  Who  were  chosen  presi- 
dent and  vice-president?  Who  was  the  whig  candidate  for  president?  When  were 
Polk  ani!  Dallas  inaugurated  ? -e.  When  did  General  Jackson  die  ? What  of  his  charac- 
ter ? What  of  his  friends  and  enemies  ? 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 


405 


3.  He  was  the  chief  instrument  in  overturning  the  great  rueasures 
established  by  preceding  administrations,  and  advocated  by  the  Whig 
party.  These  embraced  a United  States  Banh  as  the  fiscal  agenfof 
the  government;  encouragement  of  Internal  Improvements^  such  as 
public  roads,  railroads,  etc.,  of  general  utility  or  necessity,  by  the 
general  government ; encouragement  of  our  manufactures  by  a Bro- 
tective  Tar  iff  on  foreign  imports,  etc.  In  place  of  these,  the  measure* * 
advocated  by  the  democracy,  such  as  the  Sub-Treasury a repudia- 
tion of  internal  improvements,  except  those  of  a commercial  and 
universal  nature;  a tariff,  favoring  the  doctrines  of  Free  Trade^\  etc., 
became  parts  of  the  policy  of  the  government. 

4.  Such  vast  changes,  effecting  a sudden  and  complete  revolution  in 
financial  afiPairs,  public  as  well  as  private,  naturally  excited  intense 
feeling.  General  Jackson  was,  however,  warmly  sustained  by  the 
great  majority  of  his  party,  and  these,  for  the  time,  constituted  the 
majority  of  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

5.  In  deciding  upon  the  acts  as  well  as  the  character  of  a public 
man,  who  is  vehemently  praised  by  his  friends,  and  as  strongly  con- 
demned by  his  enemies,  during  his  lifetime,  we  are  bound  to  exercise 
great  care  and  soberness  of  judgment.  Without  pretending  to  decide 
upon  General  Jackson’s  administration — for  the  time  has  hardly  come 
for  this — we  may,  however,  express  the  general  conviction  that  he  was 
honest  and  patriotic  in  his  intentions. 


3.  What  measures  was  Jackson  cliicfly  instrumental  in  overthrowing  ? What  measurca 
were  substituted  ? 4.  Why  did  such  vast  changes  excite  intense  feeling  ? By  whom  waa. 
General  Jackson  sustained  in  his  measures  and  policy?  5.  When  should  we  exercise 
great  care  and  soberness  of  judgment?  What  general  conviction  may  we  express  as  to 
General  Jackson's  feelings  and  intentions? 

* The  policy  of  the  Whig  party  was  denominated  the  American  System^  and  was  es' 
sentially  protective  in  its  character. 

+ The  sub-treasury  was  not  suggested  till  Mr.  Yan  Buren’s  time,  nor  was  it  established 
till  Polk’s  administration ; but  General  Jackson  laid  the  foundation  for  it  in  his  successv 
ful  opposition  to  the  United  States  Bank. 

X Free  trade  is  that  system  which  favors  a free  commercial  intercourse  tetween  na- 
tions ; that  is,  without  duties  on  imports ; and  is  opposed  to  that  system  which  has  bee^ 
<:)llowed  for  centuries  by  nearly  all  nations,  in  taxing  the  products  of  foreign  countries, 
so  as  to  give  encouragement  to  the  labor  and  industry  of  the  home  country.  The  Whigs 
advocated  the  imposing  of  duties  on  the  manufactures  of  Europe,  so  high  as  in  some  de- 
gree to  exclude  them,  thus  protecting  the  labor  and  products  of  our  own  mechanics  and 
artisans:  the  Democrats  advocated  the  reduction  of  these  duties  to  the  lowest  scale,  thus, 
as  far  as  possible,  leaving  every  body  to  buy  where  they  could  buy  cheapest.  Inasmuch 
as  the  main  revenue  of  our  government  is  derived  from  taxes  on  imports,  the  Democrats 
contended  that  these,  which  averaged  twenty  per  cent.,  were  sufficient  protection.  The 
views  of  parties  were  at  length  so  far  modified  that  incidental  protection, was  deemed 
adequate  by  both ; the  Whigs,  however,  contended  that  taxes  should  be  specific^  and  be 
adjusted  with  direct  reference  to  the  encouragement  of  American  manufactures  The 
Democrats,  generally  held  opposite  views. 


406 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CCVI. 

Polk’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Mexican  War, 
— General  Taylor^ s Movements, — Battles  of  Palo  Alto 
and  Resaca  de  la  Palma, 

1.  We  now  approach  the  Mexican  war.  Texas,  as  we  have  seen, 
had  been  annexed  to  the  United  States,  though  it  was  well  known 
that  Mexico,  regarding  it  as  a revolted  province,  earnestly  remonstrat- 
ed against  the  measure.  Indeed,  among  the  prominent  reasons  urged 
in  opposition  to  annexation  was  the  attitude  of  Mexico,  and  the  cer- 
tainty that  it  would  draw  us  into  a war  wit^h  that  republic.* * 

2.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1846  the  legislature  of  Texas,  by  accepting 
the  joint  resolution  of  Congress  .naking  provision  for  this  event,  be- 
came a member  of  the  Federal  Union,  as  we  have  before  stated.  Pres- 
ident Polk,  aware  of  the  state  of  feeling  in  Mexico,  ordered  General 
Zach'-a-ry  Taylor,  in  command  of  the  troops  in  the  soutli-west,  to  pro- 
ceed to  Texas,  and  post  himself  as  near  to  the  Mexican  border  as  he 
deemed  prudent.  At  the  same  time  an  American  squadron  was  dis- 
patched to  the  vicinity,  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

3.  In  November,  General  Taylor  had  taken  his  position  at  Cor'-pus 
Chris'-ti,  a Texan  settlement  on  a bay  of  the  same  name,  with  about 
four  thousand  men.  On  the  13th  of  January,  1846,  the  president 
ordered  him  to  advance  with  his  forces  to  the  Ri'-o  Gran'-de ; accord- 
ingly he  proceeded,  and  in  March  stationed  himself  on  the  north  bank 
of  that  river,  within  cannon-shot  of  the  Mexican  town  of  Mat-a-mo'-ras. 
Here  he  hastily  erected  a fortress,  called  Fort  Brown. 

4.  The  territory  lying  between  the  river  Nue'-ces  and  the  Rio  Grande, 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  width,!  was  claimed  both  by 
Texas  and  Mexico;  according  to  the  latter,  therefore.  General. Taylor 
had  actually  invaded  her  territory,  and  had  thus  committed  an  open 


Chap.  CCVI.— 1.  How  did  Mexico  consider  Texas  ? How  did  slie  regard  its  annexation 
to  the  United  States?  2.  What  of  Texas  on  the  4th  of  July,  1845?  What  had  President 
Polk  ordered  General  Taylor  to  do?  Where  was  a squadron  ordered  to  go?  3.  What 
had  General  Taylor  done  in  November?  Where  was  Corpus  Christi?  What  was  Taylor 
ordered  to  do  on  the  13th  of  January,  1846?  What  fort  did  Taylor  erect?  4.  What  of 
the  territory  between  the  Nueces  and  the  Rio  Grande?  What  of  General  Ampudia? 
What  of  a party  of  American  dragoons? 

* At  this  time,  Mexico  was  a republic,  its  government  resembling  that  of  the  United 
Stales;  General  Herrera  had  been  president,  but  his  known  desire  for  peace  with  tho 
United  States,  rendered  him  unpopular,  and  General  Paredes  was  elected  in  his  stead. 
He  was  president  of  Mexico  at  the  commencement  qf  tt©  war  we  are  now  describing,  bu( 
'“'as  soon  after  succeeded  by  Santa  Anna. 

t This  now  forms  a part  of  the  state  of  1\  cas. 


THE  MEXICAN  WAR. 


407 


act  of  war.  On  the  2Gth  of  April,  the  Mexican  general,  Am-pu'-di-a, 
gave  notice  to  this  effect  to  General  Taylor,  and  on  the  same  day  a 
party  of  American  dragoons,  sixty-three  in  number,  being  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Rio  Grande,  were  attacked,  and,  after  the  loss  of  sixteen 
men  killed  and  wounded,  were  forced  to  surrender.  Their  commander. 
Captain  Thornton,  only  escaped. 

5.  The  ^[exican  forces  had  now  cjpssed  the  river  above  Matamoras, 
and  were  supposed  to  meditate  an  attack  on  Point  Is'-a-bel,* *  where 
Taylor  had  established  a depot  of  supplies  for  his  army.  On  the  1st 
of  May,  this  officer  left  a small  number  of  troops  at  Fort  Brown,  and 
marched  with  his  chief  forces,  twenty-three  hundred  men,  to  the  de- 
fence of  Point  Isabel.  Having  garrisoned  this  place,  he  set  out  on 
his  return. 

6.  On  the  8th  of  May,  about  noon,  he  met  the  Mexican  army,  six 
thousand  strong,  drawn  up  in  battle  array,  on  the  prairie  near  Pa'-lo 
AT-to.  The  Americans  at  once  advanced  to  the  attack,  and,  after  an 
action  of  five  hours,  in  which  their  artillery  was  very  effective,  drove 
the  enemy  before  them,  and  encamped  upon  the  field.  The  Mexican 
loss  was  about  one  hundred  killed ; that  of  the  Americans,  four  killed 
and  forty  wounded.  Major  Ringgold,  of  the  artillery,  an  officer  of  great 
merit,  was  mortally  wounded. 

7.  The  next  day,  as  the  Americans  advanced,  they  again  met  the 
enemy  in  a strong  position  near  Re-sa'-ca  de  la  PaT-ma,  three  miles 
from  Fort  Brown.  An  action  commenced,  and  was  fiercely  contested, 
the  artillery  on  both  sides  being  served  with  great  vigor.  At  last 
the  Mexicans  gave  way,  and  fled  in  confusion,  General  de  la  Ve-'ga 
having  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  They  also  abandoned 
their  guns  and  a large  quantity  of  ammunition  to  the  victors. 

8.  The  remaining  Mexican  soldiers  speedily  crossed  the  Rio  Grande, 
and  the  next  day  the  Americans  took  up  their  position  at  Fort  Brown 
This  little  fort,  in  the  absence  of  General  Taylor,  had  gallantly  sus- 
tained an  almost  uninterrupted  attack  of  several  days  from  the  Mexican 
batteries  of  Matamoras. 


5.  What  of  Point  Isabel?  What  of  a Mexican  force  marching  against  Point  Isabel? 
What  (lid  General  Taylor  do?  0.  What  of  the  battle  of  Palo  Alto?  7.  Describe  the 
battle  of  Eesaca  de  la  Palma.  8.  What  of  the  Mexicans  after  the  battle  of  Eesaca  de  la 
Palma  ? What  of  Fort  Brown  ? 

* Point  Isabel  is  situated  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  twenty- one  miles  north-east  of 
Matanjoras,  the  latter  being  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Eio  Grande,  about  twenty 
Bllles  from  the  Gulf  by  trie  windings  of  the  river. 


408 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


OHAPTEE  CCVII. 

Polk’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Declaration  of  War 
against  Mexico. — Preparations.  — Capture  of  Monterey 
hy  General  Taylor. — Oth^  places  taken  ly  the  Amer- 
icans.— California  conquered  hy  Fremont  and  others. 

1.  When  the  news  of  the  capture  of  Captain  Thornton’s  party  was 
spread  over  the  United  States,  it  produced  great  excitement.  The 
president  addressed  a message  to  Congress,  then  in  session,  declaring 
“ that  war  with  Mexico  existed  by  her  own  act,”  and  that  body. 
May  1846,  placed  ten  millions  of  dollars  at  the  president’s  disposal,  and 
authorized  him  to  accept  the  services  of  fifty  thousand  volunteers.* * 

2.  A great  part  of  the  summer  of  1846  was  spent  in  preparation  for 
the  war,  it  being  resolved  to  invade  Mexico  at  several  points.  In  pur- 
suance of  this  plan.  General  Taylor,  who  had  taken  possession  of  Mat- 
amoras,  abandoned  by  the  enemy  in  May,  marched  northward  in  the 
enemy’s  country  in  August,  and  on  the  19th  of  September  he  appeared 
before  Mon-te-rey',t  capital  of  the  Mexican  state  of  New  Le'-on.  His 
army,  after  having  garrisoned  several  places  along  his  route,  amounted 
to  six  thousand  men.  The  attack  began  on  the  21st,  and,  after  a succes- 
sion of  assaults,  during  the  period  of  four  days,  the  Mexicans  capitu- 
lated, leaving  the  town  in  possession  of  the  Americans. 

8.  In  October,  General  Taylor  terminated  an  armistice  into  which 
he  had  entered  with  the  Mexican  general,  and  again  commenced  of- 
fensive operations.  Various  towns  and  fortresses  of  the  enemy  now 
rapidly  fell  into  our  possession.  In  November,  Sal-tiT-lo,  the  capital 
of  the  state  of  Coahuila  [co-a-wee' -la\  was  occupied  by  the  division  of 


Chap.  CCYII. — 1.  What  effect  had  the  news  of  the  capture  of  Captain  Thornton’s  party 
in  the  United  States?  What  did  the  president  do  ? What  did  Congress  do  ? 2.  Yhat 
of  the  summer  of  1846?  What  was  resolved  upon?  What  of  Matamoras?  What  of 
Monterey  ? 

* It  will  be  observed  that  the  government  of  the  United  States,  now  about  to  invade 
Mexico,  adopted  a totally  different  course  from  that  pursued  in  the  invasion  of  Canada  in 
i812.  In  the  latter  case  they  required  the  states  to  supply  a quota  of  the  militia;  in  the 
former,  they  supplied  troops  by  calling  upon  volunteers.  The  objection  made  to  the 
call  for  the  militia  by  the  New  England  states,  during  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  appears 
therefore  to  have  been  deemed  valid  by  the  general  government ; the  success  which 
attended  the  call  for  volunteers  seems  to  have  shown  that  to  be  the  true  system  to  be 
followed  in  similar  cases  hereafter. 

t Monterey  is  a town  environed  with  mountains  and  ravines,  and  contains  fourteen  thou- 
sand inhabitants;  it  is  situated  nearly  west  from  Matamoras,  on  the  Fernando  River, 
which  flows  into  the  Rio  Grande.  There  is  another  town  by  the  name  of  Monterey, 
situated  on  the  Pacific  coast,  about  eighty  miles  south  of  San  Francisco,  in  California. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  BUENA  V I S T . 


409 


i^eneral  Worth;  in  December,  General  Patterson  took  possession  of  Vic- 
toria, the  capital  of  Ta-inau-li'-pas,  and  nearly  at  the  same  period.  Com- 
modore Perry  captured  the  fort  of  Tam-pi'-co.  Santa  Fe,  the  capital 
of  New  Mexico,  with  the  whole  territory  of  the  state,  had  been  sub- 
jugated by  General  Harney,  after  a march  of  one  thousand  miles  through 
tbe*wilderness. 

4.  Events  of  a startling  character  had  taken  place  at  still  earlier 
dates  along  the  Pacific  coast.  On  the  4th  of  July,  Captain  Fremont, 
having  repeatedly  defeated  superior  Mexican  forces  with  the  small 
band  under  his  command,  declared  California  independent  of  Mexico. 
Other  important  places  in  this  region  had  yielded  to  the  American 
naval  force,  and  in  August,  1846,  the  whole  of  California  was  in  the 
undisputed  occupation  of  the  Americans. 


' CHAPTER  CCVIII. 

Polk’s  Administration,  Continued.  — The  Battle  of 
Buena  Vista, — Capture  of  Vera  Cruz. — March  on  Mex- 
ico.— Battle  of  Cerro  Gordo.  — Victories  of  Contreras 
and  Churuhiisco. — The  Armistice. — Capture  of  Chapul- 
tepec. — Entrance  of  the  American  Army  into  the  City 
of  Mexico. — Treaty  of  Guadalupe- Hidalgo, — General 
Remarks  on  the  Mexican  War. 

1.  The  year  1847  opened  with  still  more  brilliant  victories  on  the 
part  of  our  armies.  By  the  drawing  off  of  a large  part  of  General 
Taylor’s  troops  for  a meditated  attack  on  Vera  Cruz,  he  was  left  with 
a comparatively  small  force  to  meet  the  great  body  of  the  Mexican 
troops,  now  marching  upon  him,  under  command  of  the  celebrated 
Santa  Anna,  who  had  again  become  president  of  Mexico, 

2.  Ascertaining  the  advance  of  this  powerful  army,  twenty  thousand 
strong,  and  consisting  of  the  best  of  the  Mexican  soldiers.  General 
Taylor  took  up  his  position  at  Bue'-na  Vis'-ta,  a valley  a few  miles  from 
Saltillo.  His  whole  troops  numbered  only  four  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  fifty-nine,  and  here,  on  the  23d  of  February,  he  was  vigorously 
Attacked  by  the  Mexicans.  The  battle  was  very  severe,  and  continued 


3.  What  of  the  operations  of  General  Taylor  and  other  Mexican  towns  ? What  o. 
Saltillo?  General  Patterson?  Commodore  Perry?  Santa  Fe  and  New  Mexico?  4. 
What  of  events  op  the  Paciflc  coast  ? 

CliAP.  CCVIII.— 1.  What  of  General  Taylor  and  Santa  Anna  early  in  the  year  1847? 
2.  What  of  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista?  What  was  the  number  of  the  Mexican  soldiers  la 
this  battle  ? Of  the  Americans  ? Loss  of  the  Mexicans  ? 

35 


4:10  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

nearly  the  whole  day,  when  the  Mexicans  fled  from  the  field  in  disorder, 
with  a loss  of  nearly  two  thousand  men. 

3.  Santa  Anna  speedily  withdrew,  and  thus  abandoned  the  region 
of  the  Rio  Grande  to  the  complete  occupation  of  our  troops.  This  left 
our  forces  at  liberty  to  prosecute  the  grand  enterprise  of  the  campaign, 
the  capture  of  the  strong  town  of  Vera  Cruz,  with  its  renowned  castle 
of  San  Ju-an^  d’UMo'-a.  On  the  9th  of  March,  1847,  General  Scott 
^landed  near  Iflie  city  with  an  army  of  twelve  thousand  men,  and  on  the 
ISth  commenced  an  attack, 

4.  For  four  days  and  nights  an  almost  incessant  shower  of  shot  and 
sliells  was  poured  upon  the  devoted  town,  while  the  batteries  of  the 
castle  and  the  city  replied  with  terrible  energy.  At  last,  as  the  Amer- 
icans were  preparing  for  an  assault,  the  governor  of  the  city  offered 
to  surrender,  and  on  the  26th  the  American  flag  floated  triumphantly 
from  the  walls  of  the  castle  and  the  city. 

5.  General  Scott  now  prepared  to  march  upon  the  city  of  Mexico, 
the  capital  of  the  country,  situated  two  hundred  miles  in  the  interior, 
and  approached  only  through  a series  of  rugged  passes  and  mountain 
fastnesses,  rendered  still  more  formidable  by  several  strong  fortresses. 
On  the  8th  of  April,  the  army  commenced  their  march.  At  Cer'-ro 
Gor'-do,* *  Santa  Anna  had  posted  himself  with  fifteen  thousand  men. 
On  the  18th,  the  Americans  began  the  daring  attack,  and  by  midday 
every  intrenchment  of  the  enemy  had  been  carried. 

6.  The  loss  of  the  Mexicans  in  this  remarkable  battle,  beside  one 
thousand  killed  and  wounded,  was  three  thousand  prisoners,  forty-three 
pieces  of  cannon,  five  thousand  stand  of  arms,  and  all  their  munitions 
and  materials  of  war.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  four  hundred 
and  thirty-one  in  killed  and  wounded. 

7.  The  next  day  our  forces  advanced,  and,  capturing  fortress  after 
fortress,  came  on  the  18th  of  August,  within  ten  miles  of  Mexico,  a city 
of  two  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  and  situated  in  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  valleys  in  the  world.t  On  the  20th  they  attacked  and 


3.  "What  of  General  Scott  and  the  town  and  castle  of  Yera  Cruz?  4.  Describe  the  at- 
tack upon  and  capitulation  of  Yera  Cruz.  5.  What  did  General  Scott  now  prepare  to 
do?  Situation  of  the  city  of  Mexico?  What  occurred  at  Cerro  Gordo?  6 Loss  of  the 
Mexicans  in  the  battle  of  Cerro  Gordo?  7.  Population  of  the  city  of  Mexico?  Its  situ- 
ation ? Describe  the  approach  of  the  Americans  to  the  city,  What  occurred  on  the 
20th  of  August  ? 

* Cerro  Gordo  is  about  forty-five  miles  north  from  Yera  Cruz,  the  latter  being  on  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  two  hundred  miles  south-easterly  from  Mexico. 

t Mexico  is  situated  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Tezciico,  and  is  encompassed  by  numer- 
ous marshes  and  ditches.  It  can  only  be  approached  by  means  of  the  long  causeways 
connecting  it  with  the  surrounding  country.  Beyond  the  causeways,  it  was  defended  by 
the  i>owerful  fortifications  of  Chapultepec,  Churubusco,  Contreras,  etc. ; these,  together, 
being  occupied  by  over  thirty  thousand  Mexican  troops ; while  General  Scott’s  army  only 
numbered  about  ten  thousand.  See  map  o/Mewico,  p,  485- 


PEACE  WITH  MEXICO. 


411 


carried  the  strong  batteries  of  Oon-tre'-ras,  garrisoned  by  seven  thou- 
sand men,  in  an  impetuous  assault,  which  lasted  but  seventeen  minutes, 

7.  On  the  same  day,  an  attack  was  made  by  the  Americans  on  the 
fortified  post  of  Chu-ru-bus'-co,  four  miles  north-east  of  Contreras.  Here 
nearly  the  entire  Mexican  army — more  than  twenty  thousand  in  number 
— were  posted ; but  they  were  defeated  at  every  point,  and  obliged  to 
seek  a retreat  in  the  city,  or  the  still  remaining  fortress  of  Cha-pul'- 
te-pec. 

8.  While  preparations  were  being  made  on  the  21st  by  General  Scott, 
to  level  his  batteries  against  the  city,  prior  to  summoning  it  to  sur- 
render, he  received  propositions  from  the  enemy,  which  terminated  in 
an  armistice.  This  ceased  on  the  7th  of  September;  on  the  8th  the 
outer  defence  of  Chapultepec  was  successfully  stormed  by  General 
Worth,  though  he  lost  one-fourth  of  his  men  in  the  desperate  struggle. 

9.  The  castle  of  Chapultepec,  situated  on  an  abrupt  and  rocky 
eminence,  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  above  the  surrounding  country, 
presented  a most  formidable  object  of  attack.  On  the  12th,  however, 
the  batteries  were  opened  against  it,  and  on  the  next  day  the  citadel 
was  carried  by  storm.  The  Mexicans  still  struggled  along  the  great 
causeway  leading  to  the  city,  as  the  Americans  advanced,  but  before 
nightfall,  a part  of  our  army  was  within  the  gates  of  the  city.  Santa 
Anna  and  the  officers  of  the  government  fled,  and  the  next  morning, 
at  seven  o’clock,  the  flag  of  the  Americans  floated  from  the  national 
palace  of  Mexico. 

10.  This  conquest  of  the  capital  was  the  great  and  flnal  achievement 
of  the  war.  The  Mexican  republic  was  in  fact  prostrate,  her  sea-coast 
and  chief  cities  being  in  the  occupation  of  our  troops.  On  the  2d  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1848,  terms  of  peace  were  agreed  upon  by  the  American  commis- 
sioner and  the  Mexican  government,  this  treaty*  being  ratified  by  the 
Mexican  Congress  on  the  30th  of  May  following,  and  by  the  United  States 
soon  after.  President  Polk  proclaimed  peace  on  the  4th  of  July,  1848. 

11.  In  the  preceding  sketch,  we  have  given  only  a mere  outline  of 
the  war  with  Mexico.  We  have  necessarily  passed  over  many  inter- 
esting events,  and  have  not  even  named  many  of  our  soldiers  who 


7.  What  of  the  fortress  of  Churubnsco  ? S.  What  of  an  armistice  on  the  21st  of  August? 
When  did  this  cease  ? What  of  the  fort  of  Chapultepec  ? 9.  Describe  the  castle  of 
Cliapultepec.  What  of  its  capture  ? What  of  the  struggle  of  the  Mexicans  as  the 
Americans  advanced  upon  Mexiep,  along  the  causeways?  What  of  Santa  Anna  and  the 
oflicers  of  the  Mexican  army?  What  of  the  American  flag?  10.  What  of  this  conquest 
of  the  capital  of  Mexico?  Situation  of  the  Mexican  republic?  W^hat  of  peace  ? 11.  What 
is  said  of  the  preceding  sketch  of  the  war  with  Mexico?  What  may  be  said  as  to  other 
events  ? What  of  General  Taylor’s  operations  in  the  region  of  the  Eio  Grande  ? 

* This  is  called  the  treaty  of  Guadalupz-Hidalgo^  from  the  name  of  the  place  where 
it  was  negotiated. 


412 


performed  gallant  and  important  services.  General  Taylor’s  successful 
operations  in  tlie  region  of  the  Rio  Grande  were  duly  honored  by  the 
people  of  the  United  States,  by  bestowing  upon  him  the  presidency. 

12.  General  Scott’s  campaign,  from  the  attack  on  Vera  Cruz  to  the 
surrender  of  tlie  city  of  Mexico,  was  far  more  remaikable,  and,  in  a 
military  point  of  view,  must  be  considered  as  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
of  modern  times.  It  is  true  the  Mexicans  are  not  to  be  ranked  with 
the  great  nations  of  the  earth ; with  a population  of  seven  or  eight 
millions,  they  have  little  more  than  a million  of  the  white  race,  the  rest 
being  half-civilized  Indians  and  mestizos,  that  is,  those  of  mixed  blood. 
Their  government  is  inefficient,  and  the  people  divided  among  them- 
selves. Their  soldiers  often  fought  bravely,  but  they  were  badly  officered. 

13.  While,  therefore,  we  may  consider  the  conquest  of  so  extensive 
and  populous  a country,  in  so  short  a time,*  and  attended  with  such 
constant 'superiority  even  to  the  greater  numbers  of  the  enemy,  as 
highly  gratifying  evidence  of  the  courage  and  capacity  of  our  army. 


12.  What  of  General  Scott’s  campaign?  What  of  Mexico  as  to  its  i)opulation  and  gov- 
ernment?  The  Mexican  soldiers? 


THE  AMERICAN  ARMY  ENTERING  THE  CITY  OF  MEXICO. 


BEGINNING  OF  POLK’S  ADMINISTRATION.  413 


still  we  must  not,  in  judging  of  our  achievements,  fail  to  consider  the 
real  weakness  of  the  nation  whom  we  vanquished. 

14.  One  thing  we  may  certainly  dwell  upon  with  satisfaction — the 
admirable  example,  not  only  as  a soldier,  but  as  a man,  set  by  our 
commander.  General  Scott,  who  seems,  in  the  midst  of  war  and  the 
ordinary  license  of  the  camp,  always  to  have  preserved  the  virtue, 
kindness,  and  humanity  belonging  to  a state  of  peace.  These  qualities 
secured  to  him  the  respect,  confidence,  and  good-will  even  of  the 
enemy  he  had  conquered. 

15.  Among  the  generals  who  effectually  aided  General  Scott  in  this 
remarkable  campaign,  we  must  not  omit  to  mention  the  names  of 
Generals  Wool,  Twiggs,  Shields,  Worth,  Smith,  and  Quitman,  who 
generally  added  to  the  high  qualities  of  soldiers,  the  still  more  esti- 
mable characteristics  of  good  men. 


CHAPTEE  CCIX. 

Polk’s  Admintstralton,  Continued. — Stipulations  of  the 
Treaty  of  Gruadalupe- Hidalgo- — The  Oregon  Boundary 
Dispute- — Death  of  John  Quincy  Adams- — Wisconsin 
admitted  into  the  Union - 

1.  The  treaty  of  Gua-da-lupe'-Hi-dal'-go  stipulated  that  the  disputed 
territory  between  the  I^ueces  and  the  Eio  Grande,  should  belong  to 
the  United  States,  and  it  now  forms  a part  of  Texas,  as  has  been 
already  stated ; that  the  United  States  should  assume  and  pay  the  debts 
due  from  Mexico  to  American  citizens,  to  the  amount  of  three  millions 
five  hundred  thousand  dollars ; and  that,  in  consideration  of  the  sum 
of  fifteen  millions  of  dollars  to  be  paid  by  the  United  States  to  Mexico, 
the  latter  should  relinquish  to  the  former  the  whole  of  Mew  Mexico 
and  Upper  California. 

2.  About  the  time  the  difficulties  with  Mexico  began,  a serious  dis- 
pute arose  with  Great  Britain,  as  to  the  boundary  line  between  her 
possessions  and  ours,  in  what  was  then  the  region  of  Oregon.  Both 
countries,  in  fact,  claimed  the  same  territory.  The  difficulty,  which 
for  a time  threatened  to  end  in  war,  was  happily  adjusted  by  a treaty 
made  at  Washington,  in  June,  1846,  adopting  the  parallel  of  49°  north 
as  the  northern  boundary  of  the  United  States. 


14.  Example  of  General  Scott?  15.  What  other  of  our  generals  may  he  commende<l  ? 
Chap.  CCIX.— 1.  What  were  the  stipulations  of  the  treaty  of  Guadahipc-Hidalgo  ? 2. 
What  of  the  difficulties  with  Great  Britain  as  to  the  Oregon  boundary  ? 

35* 


414 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


3.  On  the  22d  of  February,  1848,  John  Quincy  Adams,  former  pres^ 
ident  of  the  United  States,  died  of  paralysis,  at  Washington.  Two  days 
before,  while  in  his  seat  in  the  House  of  Eepresentatives,  and  attend- 
ing to  his  duties,  the  attack  suddenly  came.  His  last  words  were : 
‘‘  This  is  the  last  of  earth  ; I am  content!”  Nearly  his  whole  life  had 
been  spent  in  the  public  service.  If  he  had  some  faults,  he  possessed 
also  great  merits,  and  few  of  our  public  men  are  remembered  with 
more  respect  by  the  people  of  the  country. 

4.  In  May,  1848,  Wis-con'-sin  was  admitted  into  the  Union,  as  a state. 
This  was  part  of  the  territory  ceded  by  France  to  Great  Britain  in  the 
treaty  of  1763  ; at  the  close  of  the  Kevolutionary  War,  it  became  part 
of  the  domain  of  the  United  States.  It  was  organized  as  a territory 
in  1836,  the  portion  forming  the  state  of  Iowa  being  detached  in  1838. 


3.  What  of  John  Quincy  Adams  ? 4.  What  of  Wisconsm  ? 


PRESIDENT  TAYLOR. 


415 


PRESIDENT  TAYLOR. 


CHAPTEE  CCX. 

Taylor’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1849,  to  July 
9th,  1850. — Ills  Election  and  Inauguration, — TheWil- 
mot  Proviso  and  Martin  Y an  Buren, — The  Department 
of  the  Interior, — California, 

1.  General  Zachary  Taylor,  of  Louisiana,  who  had  served  the 
country  so  successfully  in  the  Mexican  War,  being  the  Whig  candidate, 
was  elected  by  a vote  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-three  out  of  two  liundred 
and  ninety,  as  the  successor  of  Mr.  Polk,  in  opposition  to  General  Cass, 
the  Democratic  candidate.  Millard  Fillmore,  of  Mew  Y^ork,  was  elect- 
ed vice-president.  General  Taylor  was  inaugurated  March  5th,  1849, 
the  4th  being  Sunday, 

3.  In  this  election,  General  Cass  did  not  receive  the  whole  democratic 


Chap.  OCX  —1.  Whw  was  elocted  siiocess<3rr  to  Mr.  Polk?  Who  was  the  democratie 


416 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


vote.  In  1846,  as  it  was  foreseen  that  the  war  with  Mexico  would 
probably  result  in  a large  acquisition  of  territory,  David  Wilmot,  a dem- 
ocrat, of  Pennsylvania,  introduced  into  the  House  of  Representatives 
a resolution,  that  slavery  should  not  be  admitted  into  any  territory  ac- 
quired by  treaty.  This  obtained  the  title  of  the  Wilmot  proviso.  It 
did  not  pass,  but  a party  called  Free-soilers  adopted  its  principles,  and 
nominated  Martin  Yan  Buren,  the  ex-president,  as  their  candidate  foi 
the  presidency.  This  party,  however,  soon  ceased,  its  principles  being, 
in  the  main,  adopted  by  the  present  Republican  party. 

3.  The  several  departments  of  our  government  at  Washington  had 
hitherto  consisted  of  those  of  State,  War,  the  JSTavy,  and  the  Treasury, 
each  one  presided  over  by  a secretary,  appointed  by  the  president.  Dur- 
ing the  preceding  administration,  a Department  of  the  Interior  had 
been  organized,  to  relieve  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  of  a part  of  his 
increasing  and  weighty  cares,  and  General  Taylor  was  now  called  upon 
to  appoint  the  first  presiding  officer  of  this  new  bureau. 

4.  About  this  time  events  were  occurring  on  the  shores  of  the  Pa- 
cific, w'hich  soon  attracted  the  attention  of  the  whole  civilized  world. 
Upper  California,  by  the  treaty  with  Mexico,  had  become  a part  of 
the  territory  of  the  United  States.  This  remote  region  had  been  long 
in  the  possession  of  Spanish  missionaries,  who  occupied  themselves 
with  the  double  service  of  extending  the  sway  of  the  Spanish  crown, 
and  converting  the  Indians — numerous  in  that  region. 

5.  It  thus  remained  under  ecclesiastical  administration,  till  the  year 
1833,  when  the  missionary  establishments  were  converted  by  Mexico 
into  civil  institutions,  under  the  control  of  the  government.  Despite 
the  anarchy  which  existed  in  Mexican  affairs,  this  region  became  set- 
tled by  a considerable  and  thriving  agricultural  population. 

6.  In  1846,  when  Fremont  and  his  party  declared  this  country  in- 
dependent of  Mexico,  and  belonging  to  the  United  States,  and  still 
later,  when  it  was  actually  and  finally  ceded  to  us,  its  resources  as  a 
farming  country  attracted  great  attention.  Already  was  a large 
stream  of  emigration  directed  thither,  when  in  February  1848,  it  was 
announced  that  gold,  in  astonishing  quantities,  had  been  discovered  on 
a branch  of  the  Sa-cra-men'-to  River. 

7.  The  news  spread  over  the  world  with  the  greatest  rapidity,  and  in 
a few  months,  many  thousands  of  adventurers,  chiefly  from  the  United 
States,  but  some  also  from  England,  France,  Germany,  as  well  as  from 


2.  Did  General  Cass  have  the  whole  democratic  vote  ? What  of  the  Wilmot  proviso  ? 
The  Free-soilers?  Martin  Van  Buren?  3.  What  had  hitherto  been  the  Departments  of 
our  government  at  Washington  ? What  new  Department  was  now  added  ? 4.  What 

of  Upper  California?  What  of  the  Spanish  missions  ? 5.  What  did  Mexico  do  in  1833? 
C.  What  of  the  resources  of  California  ? What  happened  in  February,  1848  ? 


CALIFORNIA 


417 


THB  GREAT  FIRE  AT  SAN  FRANCISCO,  MAT  4tH,  1850. 


Mexico,  and  South  America,  rushed  thither,  with  a greedy  4esire  ta 
secure  a share  of  the  newly  discovered  treasure. 

8.  The  scenes  which  followed  are  not  easily  described.  San  Fran- 
cis'-co,  originally  called  Yer' -la  Bue'-na^  and  which  in  1848  was  a small 
village,  rapidly  grew  up  into  a large  city,  and  though  several  times  des- 
olated by  fire,* *  as  rapidly  revived  from  its  ashes,  and  now  contains 
nearly  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.  Other  towns  spning  up  like 
magic.  At  the  present  time,  1866,  the  state  is  computed  to  have  a 
population  of  six  hundred  thousand.  The  gold  annually  obtained  from 
all  the  mines  of  California  is  estimated  at  from  seventy  to  eighty  mil- 
lions of  dollars ! 

9.  The  people  of  California,  suddenly  gathered  from  many  countries, 
were  for  a time  without  any  formal  or  effective  government.  The  ne- 
cessity of  protection  to  life  and  property  soon  became  apparent,  and  ac* 
Cordingly,  in  the  autumn  of  1849,  a convention  met  and  formed  a con* 
fititution,  which  was  speedily  adopted  by  the  people. 


7*  What  was  the  effect  of  the  gold  discovery  in  California  ? 8.  What  of  San  Francisco  t 
Other  towns  in  California?  What  is  the  value  of  the  gold  annually  obtained  from  Califoiv 
nia  ? 9.  What  of  California  as  to  its  government  ? "When  was  the  state  constitution  formed  ? 

* The  great  fire  of  May  4th,  1850.  at  San  Francisco,  destroyed  nearly  the  entire  city, 
which  at  that  time  consisted  mostly  of  slight  wooden  tenements.  The  amount  of  prop- 
erty destroyed  was  estimated  at  four  millions  of  dollars.  Many  of  the  edifices  of  San 
F rancisco  are  now  of  brick  and  stone,  and  rival  in  splendor  those  of  our  Atlantic  cities. 

18* 


418 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


HENRY  CLAY. 


CHAPTEE  CCXI. 

Taylor’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Compromise 
Measures^  or  Omnibus  Bill. — Henry  Clay  — Death  of 
President  Taylor. — Death  of  John  C.  Calhoun. 

1.  A PERIOD  of  great  agitation  was  now  at  hand.  California  had 
petitioned  for  admission  into  the  Union,  and  as  lier  constitution  pro- 
hibited slavery,  many  of  the  Southern  politicians  in  Congress,  made 
the  most  vigorous  opposition  to  granting  her  request.* * 

2.  Various  other  questions  connected  with  this  seemed  to  complU 


Chap.  CCXI. — 1.  What  of  the  petition  of  California  for  admission  into  the  Union  ? 

* By  the  Missouri  Compromise — that  Is,  a compromise  made  in  Congress  at  the  time 
»f  the  admission  of  Missouri — it  was  stipulated  that  slavery  should  not  exist  north  of 
latitude  86.30:  implying,  of  course,  that  it  might  exist  south  of  that  line.  As  a portion 
t)f  California  was  south  of  36.30,  it  was  contended  by  the  southern  statesmen,  that  the 
admission  of  California,  with  a constitution  prohibiting  slavery,  would  be  a violation  of 
the  compromise. 


THE  COMPROMISE  BILL  OF  1850. 


419 


JOHN  C.  CALHOUN, 

cate  and  increase  the  difficulty ; in  Congress  a state  of  almost  unexam- 
pled excitement,  indeed,  existed,  and  many  persons  were  under  the 
gloomy  apprehension  that  the  Union  was  speedily  to  be  dissolved.  In 
this  state  of  things,  Henry  Clay,  wffio  had  so  often  appeared  in  times  of 
difficulty  and  danger,  to  assuage  the  storm,  in  connection  with  other 
eminent  senators,  introduced  the  Com'promise  Measures  of  1850,” 
popularly  called  the  Omnibus  Bill, 

3.  This  contained  the  following  propositions  : Firsts  That,  according 
to  the  agreement  made  on  the  adoption  of  Texas,  five  new  states, 
formed  of  her  territory,  might  be  admitted,  with  or  without  slavery  as 
the  people  should  choose;  Second^  That  California  should  become  a free 
state,  according  to  her  constitution ; Thirds  That  a territorial  government 
should  be  established  for  Hew  Mexico  and  U'-tah  without  any  stipula- 
tion on  the  subject  of  slavery ; Fourt\  That  Texas  should  surrender 


2.  How  was  the  difficulty  increased  ? What  of  Congress?  What  of  Henry  Clay  at  this 
time?  What  bill  did  he  introduce?  3.  What  propositions  did  the  Omnibus  Bill  contain? 


420 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


all  ck  ims  to  New  Mexico,  on  condition  of  ten  millions  of  dollars  to  be 
paid  by  the  government  of  the  United  States;  Fifths  That  a more  effi- 
cient law  for  the  recovery  of  fugitive  slaves  should  be  passed ; and, 
Sixths  That  the  slave-trade  should  be  prohibited  in  the  District  of 
Columbia. 

4.  ’The  number  and  variety  of  these  several  propositions,  serve  to 
show  the  extent  of  the  difficulties  to  be  overcome,  and  the  different 
feelings  and  interests  to  be  consulted.  All  these  propositions,  intro- 
duced as  separate  provisions,  were  finally  adopted,  but  after  a most  ex- 
citing and  protracted  debate  in  Congress.  The  last  of  these  bills 
passed  September  18th,  1850. 

5.  But  before  this  final  result  had  been  obtained.  President  Taylor 
had  breathed  his  last ; he  died  on  the  9th  of  July,  1850,  from  over- 
exertion on  the  celebration  of  the  4th.  He  had  spent  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  in  the  camp,  and  as  he  had  been  a successful  soldier,  so 
he  was  also  a good  man,  and  a true  patriot.  President  Polk,  his  pre- 
decessor in  office,  had  led  the  way  to  the  tomb,  having  died  at  his 
residence  in  Nashville,  June  15tb,  1849. 

6.  A few  months  previous  to  the  death  of  President  Taylor,  John  C« 
Calhoun,  of  South  Carolina,  who  had  filled  with  great  distinction  sev- 
eral high  offices,  had  died  at  Washington — that  is,  on  the  31st  of  March, 
1850.  His  last  public  services  were  rendered  in  seeking  to  effect  the 
passage  of  the  several  bills  of  which  we  have  just  spoken.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  abilities,  high  integrity,  and  the  utmost  dignity  as  well  as 
suavity  of  manners.  He  was  for  many  years  the  acknowledged  cham- 
pion of  the  Southern  states,  in  respect  to  slavery,  state  rights,  nullifi- 
cation, etc. 


4.  What  do  the  number  and  variety  of  these  propositions  prove  ? How  did  these  pass 
in  Confess?  When  did  the  last  pass?  5.  What  of  the  death  of  President  Taylor?  His 
character  ? What  of  Ex-president  Polk  ? 6.  What  of  Mr.  Calhoun  2 


FILLMOKK  S ADMINISTRATION. 


421 


CHAPTEE  CCXII. 

Fillmore’s  Administration,  from  July  10th,  1850,  to 
March  4th,  1853. — His  Accession. — Signing  of  the 
Omnibus  Bills. — Lopez  and  the  Cuban  Fillibusters. — 
The  Cheap-Postage  Laws. — Laying  the  Corner-Stone 
of  the  Capitol  Extension  at  Washington. — Kossuth  in 
America. 

1.  The  day  after  the  death  of  President  Taylor,  Mr.  Fillmore,  vice- 
president,  took  the  oath  of  office  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  thei 
•{.residency.  One  of  the  first  and  most  important  duties  which  de- 
volved upon  him  w^as,  to  approve  the  several  hills,  which  we  have  just* 
described,  relating  to  the  admission  of  California,  the  organization  of  the 
territory  of  New  Mexico,  etc.,  and  which,  as  we  have  said,  received 
the  general  name  of  "'''The  Compromise  Measures  <^1850.’ 


Chap.  CCXII. — 1.  Who  became  president  on  the  death  of  Tc\ylor  ? What  was  one  of 
the  first  and  most  important  of  Fillmore’s  duties? 

S6 


422 


HISTORx  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


2.  It  appears  that  many  persons  in  this  country,  especially  in  the 
southern  portion,  were  in  favor  of  the  annexation  of  the  large  and 
rich  Spanish  island  of  Cuba  to  the  United  States,  though  it  is  well 
known  that  Spain  is  wholly  adverse  to  any  such  measure.  So  early  as 
the  commencement  of  Taylor’s  administration,  some  adventurous  spirits^ 
popularly  QdXlQdi  Jillibmters^  led  by  a Cuban  exile  named  Lo'-pez,  under- 
took to  effect  this  object.  Six  hundred  men  landed,  May  19th,  1850, 
on  the  north  part  of  the  Island  at  Car'-de-nas,  and  captured  that  place. 

3.  Finding  no  countenance  from  the  people  of  Cuba,  however,  they 
hastily  re-embarked  and  escaped  to  Key  West,  in  Florida.  The  fol- 
lowing year,  Lopez,  with  four  hundred  and  eighty  men,  left  New 
Orleans,  and  again  landed  on  the  northern  shores  of  Cuba;  he  was, 
however,  attacked,  defeated,  and  captured,  and,  with  a number  of  his 
followers,  was  executed  at  Ha-van'-a.  Ninety-five  of  the  captives,  who 
had' been  taken  to  Spain,  were  liberated  by  order  of  the  queen,  and  ar- 
rived at  New  York  March  13th,  1852. 

4.  In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1851,  Congress  made  important 
changes  in  the  post-office  laws.  By  the  new  system,  the  postage  on 
prepaid  letters,  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  was  reduced  to  three 
cents,  the  prepayment  being  made  by  affixing  stamps  provided  by  the 
government.  The  result  has  been  an  immense  facility  of  intercourse 
throughout  the  United  States. 

5.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1851,  the  corner-stone  of  a vast  extension  of 
the  Capitol,  at  Washington,  was  laid  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  with  appropriate  ceremonies.  On  this  occasion,  Mr.  Webster, 
the  orator  of  the  day,  made  the  following  extraordinary  statement  as 
to  the  progress  of  the  United  States  since  1793 — that  is,  in  fifty-seven 


years : In  1793.  In  I851. 

Number  of  the  states  belonging  to  the  federal  Union 15  SI 

Members  of  Congress 135  295 

Population  of  the  United  States 3,929,328  23,267,499 

Population  of  the  city  of  New  York 33,121  515,507 

Revenue • • • ......  .$5,720,624  $43,774,848 

Imports $31,000,000  $178,138,314 

Exports ^26, 1 09,000  $151,898,720 

Tonnage  of  our  vessels 320,764  3,535,454 

Extent  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States  in  square  miles 805,461  3,314,365 

Miles  of  railroad  in  operation none,  10,2b7 

“ “ in  construction none.  10,092 

Lines  of  electric  telegraph  in  miles. none.  15,000 

Number  of  post-offices 209  21,551 

Colleges...- 19  J21 


' 2.  What  is  the  feeling  of  many  persons  in  the  United  States  as  to  the  annexation  of  Cuba? 
What  of  fillibusters?  What  of  Lopez?  3 What  did  Lopez  and  his  men  do  after  cap- 
turing Cardenas?  What  of  another  expedition  the  next  year?  4.  What  of  changes  in  the 
post-office  laws  in  1851?  5.  What  took  place  at  Washington,  July  4th,  1851  ? How  many 
states  in  the  Union  in  1T93?  In  1851  ? The  teacher  will  j>nt  such  other  questions  as  he 
deems  proper ^ from  the  table. 


DEATH  OF  HE^^RY  CLAY. 


423 


6.  In  December,  1851,  Louis  Kos'-suth,  the  ex-governor  of  Hungary, 
arrived  in  Hew  York,  by  way  of  England.  His  efforts  in  behalf  of 
the  liberty  and  independence  of  his  native  country  had  excited  gen- 
eral admiration,  and  he  was  everywhere  received  with  enthusiasm  by 
the  people.  He  made  numerous  addresses  to  the  assembled  multitudes, 
his  remarkable  eloquence  being  listened  to  with  delight. 

7.  Kossuth  visited  Washington,  and  was  publicly  received  by  Con- 
gress. As  his  avowed  object  was  to  promote  the  cause  of  Hungarian 
liberation  from  the  tyranny  of  Austria,  Chevalier  Hulsemann,* *  the  am- 
bassador of  the  latter  country,  protested  against  this  reception,  and 
as  his  protest  was  not  heeded,  he  left  his  post  for  a time,  the  duties 
of  his  office  being  contided  to  Mr.  Belmont,  of  Hew  York. 


CHAPTER  COXIII. 

Fillmore’s  Administration,  Continued.— of  Henry 
Clay. — Of  Daniel  Webster. — Difficulty  as  to  the  North- 
ern Fisheries  with  Great  Britain. — The  Tripartite 
Treaty. — Everetts  Reply. 

1.  On  the  29th  of  June,  1852,  Henry  Clay,  then  a member  of  the 
S^enate,  died  at  Washington,  being  seventy-five  years  of  age.  He  had 
been  long  in  the  public  service,  and  had  filled  various  high  offices.  For 
thirty  years  he  had  taken  a prominent  part  in  the  affairs  of  our  national 
government,  and  few  measures  of  importance  had  been  adopted  by 
Congress  upon  which  he  did  not  exercise  a commanding  influence. 

2.  Tall  in  his  person,  slender  in  form,  and  of  light  complexion; 
possessing  a fine  voice,  a countenance  of  great  animation,  and  a per- 
sonal action  of  remarkable  ease  and  power  of  expression — he  was  one 
of  the  most  effective  debaters  the  country  has  ever  produced.  He 


6.  What  of  Kossuth?  7 What  of  the  Austrian  ambassador? 

Chap.  CCXIII. — 1.  What  of  Henry  Clay?  2.  Personal  appearance  and  character  of 
Mr.  Clay? 

* In  February,  1848,  Louis  Philippe,  king  of  the  French,  was  driven  from  his  throne  by 
a revolution,  which  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  a republic,  in  France.  A sympathetic 
spirit  of  revolt  against  the  despotisms  of  Europe,  spread  rapidly  on  all  sides.  Many  of 
the  kings  and  princes  were  forced  to  fly,  or  to  grant  liberal  charters  to  their  subjects.  The 
Hungarians,  who  had  long  bepn  subject  to  the  emperor  of  Austria,  made  a gallant  effort 
to  throw  off  the  yoke,  and  would  doubtless  have  succeeded,  had  not  Russia  sent  large 
armies  to  the  aid  of  the  Austrians,  by  means  of  which  the  Hungarians  were  Anally  de- 
feated. In  this  struggle  Kossuth  took  a leading  part.  When  the  last  of  the  Hungarian 
army  capitulated,  and  all  hope  was  gone,  he  fled  into  the  adjacent  territory  of  Turkey. 
He  was  kept  as  a prisoner  for  some  time  in  that  country,  but  was  liberated  in  1851,  and 
came  to  America  as  above  related. 


424 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


was  also  ardent,  dauntless,  and  full  of  hope,  and,  we  may  add,  full  of 
high  ambition.  He  was  twice  a candidate  for  the  presidency,  and 
twice  defeated.  Nevertheless,  his  death  was  mourned  by  an  immense 
number  of  personal  and  attached  friends,  and  indeed  by  a large  portion 
of  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

3.  A few  months  later,  that  is,  on  the  24th  of  October,  Daniel  Web- 
ster departed  tliis  life,  at  his  residence  in  Marshfield,  Massachusetts. 
He  was  a native  of  New  Hampshire,  and  was  seventy  years  of  age. 
In  person  and  mind,  he  presented  a striking  contrast  to  the  great 
Kentucky  orator.  He  was  of  a large,  stout  frame,  and  swarthy  com- 
plexion; his  movements  were  slow  and  ponderous.  In  his  appear- 
ance, indeed,  there  was  something  singularly  grand  and  imposing. 

4.  His  intellect  was  of  similar  largeness  and  power.  In  argument, 
he  was  almost  invincible.  The  depth  of  his  reasoning  and  the  force 
of  his  logic,  made  him  the  acknowledged  master  of  debate  in  the  Sen- 
ate of  the  United  States.  His  language  was  simple  but  chaste,  and  the 
speeches  and  documents  he  has  left  behind  are  not  only  among  the 
finest  models  of  composition,  but  they  are  a rich  legacy  of  truth, 
knowledge,  wisdom,  and  patriotism,  to  his  countrymen. 

5.  In  the  summer  of  1852,  the  public  mind  was  disturbed  by  diffi- 
culties with  Great  Britain  as  to  the  fisheries  along  the  Atlantic  coast 
of  her  American  colonies.  It  was  alleged  that  our  fishermen  habit- 
ually violated  the  treaty  of  1818,  which  stipulated  that  they  should 
not  cast  their -nets  or  lines,  in  the  British  bays,  nearer  than  three  miles 
from  the  shores.  An  armed  naval  force  was  sent  by  the  British 
government  to  enforce  these  views,  and  our  government,  deeming 
them  to  be  inadmissible,  dispatched  two  war-steamers  to  the  same 
stations.  The  dispute  was  very  threatening  for  a time,  but  in  October, 
1853,  concessions  on  both  sides  being  made,  the  difficulty  was  happily 
adjusted. 

6.  In  consequence  of  the  expeditions  of  Lopez  against  Cuba,  and  the 
evident  disposition  on  the  part  of  many  persons  in  the  United  States 
to  obtain  possession  of  that  island,  the  idea  became  common  in  Europe 
that  our  government  might  actually  seek  to  realize  this  object,  and,  by 
possessing  Cuba,  obtain  command  of  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 
As  a means  of  preventing  such  an  event,  France  and  England  sought 
to  engage  the  United  States  in  a mutual  obligation  called  the  ^'‘Tripar- 
tite Treaty^’’’’  which  should  bind  us,  as  well  as  the  other  parties,  to 
resist  and  discountenance  all  attempts  to  disturb  Spain  in  the  possession 
of  Cuba. 


3.  What  of  Daniel  Webster?  How  did  he  compare  with  Mr.  Clay?  What  of  his  ap- 
pearance? 4.  What  of  his  intellectual  character?  5.  What  of  difficulties  with  Greo^ 
Britain  as  to  the  fisheries  ? 6.  What  of  the  Tripartite  treaty  ? 


THE  TRIPARTITE  TREATY. 


425 


7.  On  the  1st  of  December,  1852,  Edward  Everett,  who  had  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Webster  as  secretary  of  state,  by  direction  of  the  president, 
answered  this  proposition  in  a very  able  dispatch,  in  which  he  declared 
that  the  position  of  Cuba  rendered  that  island  one  of  peculiar  interest 
to  this  country ; and  that,  while  we  should  not  violate  any  of  the 
laws  of  neutrality,  we  should  act  in  respect  to  it  without  dictation 
from  European  powers.  He  also  added,  significantly,  that  we  should 
not  see  Cuba  pass  from  the  hands  of  Spain  to  any  transatlantic  govern- 
ment with  indifference. 

8.  Mr.  Everett  also  took  occasion,  in  this  dispatch,  to  vindicate  our 
country  from  the  constant  charges  heaped  upon  us  in  Europe,  of  an 
aggressive  spirit,  in  the  acquisition  of  territory.  He  appealed  to  his- 
tory against  such  accusations,  and  showed,  with  impressive  eloquence, 
the  great  work  that  had  been  done,  for  the  civilized  world,  by  the 
American  nation,  in  having,  within  two  centuries,  converted  three 
millions  of  square  miles  of  wilderness,  into  a habitation  fit  for  thirty 
millions  of  people ! 


7.  What  of  Mr  Everett’s  reply  ? 8.  How  did  Mr.  Everett  vindicate  our  country  ? 


36* 


426 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES* 


PRESIDENT  PIERCE. 


CHAPTER  CCXIV. 

Pierce’s  Administration,  from  March  4th,  1853,  to 
March  4tii,  1857. — Ilis  Inauguration.  — The  Mesilla 
Valley  Dispute, — Captain  RinggolTs  Exploring  Expe- 
dition,— Surreys  for  a Pacific  Railroad. — The  Arrest 
of  Martin  Koszta  hy  the  Austrians. — The  Japan  Ex- 
pedition.— The  Nebraska- Kansas  Act.,  and  Repeal  of 
the  Missouri  Compromise. — The  Seizure  of  the  Black 
Warrior. — The  Ostend  Conference. — Mr.  Soule  stopped 
at  Calais  by  the  French  Authorities,  — The  Crystal 
i Palace  Exhibition, 

1.  In  the  election  of  1852,  Franklin  Pierce,  of  New  Hampshire,  the 
Democratic  candidate,  was  elected  president,  over  General  Winfield 


Chap.  CCXIV. — 1.  Who  was  elected  president  to  succeed  Mr.  Fillmore?  When  was 
President  Pierce  inaugurated  ? Who  was  the  Whig  candidate  opposed  to  President 
Pierce  ? What  of  William  R.  King  ? 


EXPLORING  EXPEDITION. 


42T 

Scott.^  the  Whig  candidate.  The  inauguration  took  place  March  4th, 
1853*  William  R.  King,  of  Alabama,  was  chosen  as  vice-president, 
but  his  health  failed,  and  he  died  at  his  residence  in  Alabama,  April 
18th,  1853. 

2.  Soon  after  Pierce’s  accession,  a dispute  arose  with  Mexico  as  to 
the  boundary  between  Kew  Mexico  and  the  Mexican  province  of 
Chihuahua  [che-wa'-wa\  the  fertile  valley  of  Me-siT-la  lying  between 
them  being  claimed  by  both  parties.  Santa  Anna,  who  was  now  pres- 
ident of  the  Mexican  Republic,  took  armed  possession  of  the  territory 
in  dispute,  and  the  disagreement  threatened  to  end  in  national  hostili- 
ties. The  difficulty,  however,  was  settled  by  negotiation,  and  the  Me- 
silla  valley  became  the  possession  of  the  United  States. 

3.  In  1853,  a second  Exploring  Expedition  sailed  from  Kew  York, 
under  command  of  Captain  Ringgold,  consisting  of  four  armed  vessels 
and  a supply  ship ; its  objects  being  to  examine  that  portion  of  the 
Korth  Pacific  likely  soon  to  become  the  track  of  our  commerce  be- 
tween California  and  China  and  Japan,  as  well  as  the  whaling  grounds 
in  the  regions  of  Behr'-ing  Strait  and  the  Sea  of  0-kotsk'.  The  expe- 
dition returned  after  an  absence  of  about  three  years,  having  accom- 
plished the  objects  for  which  it  was  sent  out. 

4.  As  a general  impression  began  to  prevail  that  a railroad  from  the 
valley  of  the  Mississippi  to  our  Pacific  territories  was  a matter  de- 
manding the  attention  of  the  general  government,  four  expeditions 
were  dispatched  under  the  authority  of  Congress,  in  the  summer  of 
1853,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  the  several  routes  suitable  for  such 
a work.  These  surveys  have  been  accomplished  with  great  ability  and 
success,  and  afford  a vast  amount  of  valuable  knowledge  in  respect  to 
the  unsettled  region  between  our  Western  states  and  the  Pacific  region. 

5.  In  July,  1853,  an  event  occurred  in  the  harbor  of  Smyrna,  in  the 
Mediterranean,  which  served  to  insure  respect  to  our  navy,  among 
foreign  nations.  Martin  Kosz'-ta,  a Hungarian,  who  had  taken  prelim- 
inary steps  to  be  naturalized  in  the  United  States,  being  in  Smyrna  on 
business,  was  seized  as  a rebel  and  refugee  by  order  of  the  Austrian 
consul-general,  and  taken  on  board  an  Austrian  ship.  Captain  Ingra- 
ham, lying  in  port,  with  the  United  States  sloop-of-war  St.  Louis, 
being  appealed  to,  demanded  the  release  of  Koszta  as  an  American 
citizen. 

6.  On  the  refusal  of  the  Austrian  authorities  to  comply  with  his  re^ 
quest.  Captain  Ingraham  cleared  his  vessel  for  action,  and  threatened 
to  fire  upon  the  brig,  if  the  prisoner  was  not  speedily  released.  Thus 


2.  Where  is  the  Mesilla  Valley  ? What  dispute  arose  as  to  this  valley  ? How  was  the 
dispute  settled  ? 8.  What  of  a second  exploring  expedition  ? 4.  What  of  surveys  for  a 
Pacific  railroad?  5.  What  of  Martin  Koszta? 


428 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


EXPEDITION  TO  JAPAN,  IN  THE  BAY  OF  YEDDO. 


cautioned,  the  Austrians  yielded;  Koszta  was  placed  in  custody  of  the 
French  consul  to  await  the  decision  of  the  two  governments  ol  Austria 
and  the  United  States.  He  was  finally  released,  and  returned  to  this  coun- 
try. Austria  remonstrated  against  the  course  adopted  by  Captain  In- 
graham, but  his  conduct  was  applauded  both  in  Europe  and  America. 

7.  In  the  summer  of  1853,  an  expedition  fitted  out  by  our  govern- 
ment to  proceed  to  Japan,  and  form  a commercial  treaty  with  that 
empire,  consisting  of  seven  ships  of  war,  and  placed  under  the , com- 
mand of  Commodore  Perry,  brother  of  the  hero  of  Lake  Erie,  arrived  at 
its  destination — that  is.  in  the  bay  of  Yeddo.  The  commodore  communi- 
cated his  wishes  through  the  Japanese  authorities  to  tlie  emperor,  and 
after  some  delay,  a treaty  was  entered  into  with  the  government, by  which 
several  ports  were  opened  to  our  commerce.* *  A new  and  important  era 
V^as  thus  begun  in  the  history  of  this  remote  but  populous  island-empire. 


6.  What  did  Captain  Ingraham  do  after  the  Austrians  refused  to  release  Koszta?  What 
■was  the  result?  7.  What  of  the  expedition  to  Japan  ? 

* The  empire  of  Japan,  embracing  several  islands  on  the  eastern  coasts  of  Asia,  is  sup- 
posed to  contain  a population  of  thirty-five  millions.  In  manners  and  customs  the  people 
resemble  the  Chinese;  like  the  Chinese,  they  have  generally  excluded  foreigners  from  their 
territory,  though  they  have  granted  some  exclusive  privileges  to  the  Dutch.  Since  this 
treaty  made  by  Commodore  Perry,  some  of  the  European  nations  have  formed  commercial 
treaties  with  that  country. 


THE  OSTEND  CONFERENCE. 


429 


8.  In  January,  1854,  the  Senate  Committee  on  Territories  introduced 
what  has  since  become  famous  as  the  Kamas-Nebrasha  Bill^  making 
provision  for  erecting  the  vast  regions  of  Nebraska  and  Kansas  into 
territories,  and  containing  a provision  that  the  inhabitants  should  de- 
cide for  themselves  whether  to  admit  the  institution  of  slavery  or  not. 
This  measure  was  understood  to  proceed  from  Senator  Douglas  of 
Illinois. 

9.  It  proposed,  in  addition  to  its  other  provisions,  a repeal  of  the 
Missouri  Compromise,  which  had  existed  since  1820,  and  therefore 
caused  a deep  feeling  of  opposition,  particularly  at  the  North.  The 
bill,  however,  was  passed  after  an  exciting  debate,  and  became  a lavr 
on  the  31st  of  May. 

10.  In  February  of  this  year,  1854,  the  American  steamship  Black 
Warrior  was  seized  in  the  harbor  of  Ha-van'-a,  under  the  pretence  that 
she  had  evaded  or  violated  some  revenue  law,  and  both  ship  and  cargo 
were  declared  confiscated.  For  a time  this  act  was  made  the  occasion 
of  exciting  a feeling  in  the  United  States  in  behalf  of  the  acquisition 
of  Cuba,  even  by  force. 

11.  Under  the  influence  of  this,  a conference  of  some  of  the  American 
ministers  in  Europe,  including  Mr.  Buchanan  at  London,  Mr.  Mason  at 
Paris,  and  Mr.  Soule  at  Madrid,  with  others,  was  held  in  October,  1854, 
at  Ostend,  in  Belgium,  and  a circular,  strongly  recommending  the  ac- 
quisition of  Cuba,  was  adopted.  This  measure  attracted  great  atten- 
tion, and  caused  much  remark  throughout  Europe.  The  difficulty  of 
the  Black  Warrior  was  soon  after  satisfactorily  adjusted  by  the  Spanish 
government. 

12.  About  this  time — October  24th — Mr.  Soule,  being  on  his  way 
from  London  to  Paris,  was  stopped  at  Calais  by  order  of  the  French 
government.  Mr.  Soule  was  a Frenchman  by  birth,  and  many  years 
before  had  been  exiled  from  France,  though  he  had  been  permitted  to 
return.  He  was  now  an  object  of  suspicion  to  the  jealous  government 
of  Louis  Napoleon.  He  was  finally  permitted  to  pass  through  France 
on  his  way  to  Mad-rid',  the  seat  of  his  mission,  on  condition  that  he 
should  not  remain  in  the  country. 

13.  In  July,  1853,  an  exhibition  of  the  various  products  of  industry 
and  art,  such  as  manufactures  of  all  kinds,  painting,  sculpture,  etc., 
was  opened  in  the  Crystal  Palace  at  New  York,  with  appropriate 
ceremonies,  and  in  presence  of  an  immense  concourse  of  people.  The 


8.  What  act  was  introduced  into  the  Senate  in  January,  1854?  9.  What  compromise  did 
this  bill  destroy  ? What  was  the  immediate  effect  of  its  passage  ? 10.  What  occurred  as 
to  the  Black  Warrior  in  February,  1854?  11.  What  conference  took  place  at  Ostend  in 

October,  1854?  12.  What  of  Mr.  Soule’s  being  stopped  at  Calais?  13.  What  the  Crys- 
tal Palace  at  New  York  ? 


4:30 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


BURNING  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 


various  articles  were  contributed  from  every  part  of  the  United  States 
and  almost  every  country  in  Europe.  For  several  months  this  beautiful 
edifice  was  thronged  with  delighted  spectators."*" 

14.  After  being  used  for  several  exhibitions,  this  building  was  to- 
tally destroyed  by  fire,  October,  1858,  it  being  at  the  time  occupied  for 
tlie  Fair  of  the  American  Institute. 


* The  idea  of  the  Crystal  Palace  at  New  York  was  suggested  hy  that  in  London,  which 
was  opened  for  the  “World’s  Fair”  in  that  metropolis  in  1S51.  The  London  edifice  was 
built  of  iron  and  glass,  and,  after  being  used  for  the  object  of  its  erection,  it  was  remoued 
tb  Sydenham,  near  London,  where  it  is  used  for  a perpetual  exhibition  of  curiosities  end 
is  one  of  tlie  real  wonders  of  the  world.  The  New  York  building  was  externally  uf  iro:j 
and  glass , and  was  one  of  the  most  beautiful  structures  ever  erected. 


WALKER  THE  FILLIBUSTER- 


481 


CIIAPTEE  CCXV. 

Pierce’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Recyprocity 
Treaty  with  Canada, — WoTker'^s  Invasion  of  Nicarag  ua, 
— British  Enlistments  in  the  United  States, — The  Amer- 
, lean  Expeditions  in  Search  of  Sir  John  EranMin, — 
Einding  of  the  British  Ship  liesolute^  and  her  Presen- 
tation to  the  British  Government, 

1.  In  the  summer  of  1854,  the  disputed  boundary  lines  between  the 
United  States  and  Mexico  were  settled,  and  about  the  same  time  an 
agreement,  called  the  Reciprocity  Treaty^  was  made  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States,  by  which  the  commerce  between  Canada 
and  our  country  was  made  nearly  free. 

2.  In  the  summer  of  1855,  William  Walker,  a citizen  of  the  United 
States,  who  had  become  somewhat  noted  for  an  abortive  attempt  to 
acquire  a portion  of  Mexico,  invaded  ISTi-ca-ra'-gua* *  with  a small  band 
of  adventurers  from  California.  After  many  petty  struggles  and  skir- 
mishes, he  seemed  to  have  obtained  possession  of  the  country,  the  in- 
habitants of  which  were  in  a disturbed  state;  but  the  people  of 
Cos-ta  Ei'-ca  joined  the  Nicaraguans,  and  Walker  was  driven  from  the 
country. 

3.  He,  however,  collected  a band  of  followers  in  the  South,  and  elud- 
ing the  authorities,  embarked  November  11th,  1857,  at  Mobile.  He 
landed  at  Puntas  Arenas,  Nicaragua,  with  four  hundred  men,  but  on 
the  8th  December  they  surrendered  to  Captain  Paulding,  of  the  United 
States  steamer  Wabash,  and  were  taken  to  the  United  States. 

4.  In  1855,  the  Eastern  war,  which  involved  Kussia  on  the  one  side, 
and  Turkey,  France,  and  Great  Britain  on  the  other,  even  somewhat 
disturbed  the  peaceful  relations  of  the  United  States  with  the  latter 


Chap.  COXY. — 1.  What  disputed  boundary  was  settled  in  the  summer  of  1854?  What 
of  the  Reciprocity  Treaty?  2 What  of  Captain  William  Walker's  invasion  of  Nicaragua  ? 
8.  What  of  his  second  invasion?  4.  What  of  the  Eastern  war?  What  did  the  agents  oi 
Great  Britain  attempt  to  do  in  the  United  States,  in  1855? 

* Nicaragua  is  one  of  the  republics  situated  on  the  isthmus  between  North  and  South 
America,  which  formed  the  confederation  of  Guatemala  or  Central  America  This  con* 
sisted  of  the  following  states r Costa  Rica^  ITicaragiM^  Honduras^  San  Sal/oador^  void 
Guatemala.  They  are  now  independent  republics,  but  are  of  small  extent,  and  the 
population  of  all  is  only  reckoned  at  two  millions.  Nicaragua  has  three  hnndred  and 
fifty  thousand  inhabitants.  Its  situation,  however,  renders  it  important,  as  it  lies  in  the 
pathway  of  the  commerce  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific. 


432  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

country.  Great  Britain  was  greatly  in  want  of  soldiers,  and  her  pub- 
lic agents,  covertly,  enlisted  soldiers  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States,  in  violation  of  the  existing  neutrality  laws. 

5.  It  appeared  that  the  Britisli  minister  at  Washington  and  some 
of  the  British  consuls  in  our  larger  cities,  had  either  openly  or  secretly 
favored  these  proceedings.  As  Great  Britain  declined  recalling  her 
minister,  though  invited  to  do  so,  he  and  the  consuls  were  dismissed 
by  our  government.  Some  irritation  followed  in  England,  but  the 
propriety  of  our  course  was  obvious,  and  the  cloud  passed  by. 


6.  On  the  13th  September,  1855,  Lieutenant  Hartstene,  who,  with  the 
Arctic  and  Return,  had  been  dispatched  in  search  of  Dr.  Kane  and  his 
companions,  found  them  at  the  Isle  of  Dis'-co,  in  Greenland.  They  had 
abandoned  their  vessel,  the  Advance,  in  the  ice.  May  17th,  and  arrived 
at  Upernavik,  where  they  had  shipped  for  Denmark,  for  the  purpose 
of  returning  home.  Fortunately  meeting  with  Lieutenant  Hartstene, 
they  were  brought  to  New  York,  where  they  arrived  October  11th. 

7.  This  second  American  expedition,  dispatched  from  America  for 


5.  What  was  done  by  our  government  in  respect  to  the  British  minister  and  consuls? 
C.  What  of  I,ieutenaQt  Hartstene  ? What  of  Dr.  Kano  and  his  companions  ? 


.'HEAECH  FOR  SIR  JOHN  FRANKLIN 


433 


DR.  KANE  IN  THE  ARCTIC  REGIONS, 


the  discovery  of  Sir  John  Franklin  and  his  companions,* *  thus  proved 
abortive,  but  the  party  discovered  an  open  sea  encircling  the  North 
Pole,  thus  adding  a curious  and  surprising  fact  to  our  somewhat 
limited  knowledge  in  respect  to  this  gloomy  and  inhospitable  portion 


7 What  of  this  second  American  expedition  for  the  discovery  of  Sir  John  Franklin  ? 
What  discovery  Was  made  by  Captain  McClure  ? 

* For  nearly  three  hundred  years,  it  has  been  a great  object  to  determine  whether  there 
is  what  is  called  a North-west  Passage  to  the,  Pacific^  that  is,  a passage  for  vessels  through 
the  Arctic  seas  from  Baffin  Bay  to  Behring  Strait.  Within  the  last  thirty  years. 
Great  Britain  has  dispatched  numerous  ships  to  settle  this  question,  and  from  this  source 
we  have  the  important  discoveries  of  Parry.  Ross,  and  others.  In  May,  1845,  Sir  John 
Franklin,  who  had  distinguished  himself  in  explorations  among  the  Arctic  seas,  with  two 
ships,  the  Erebus  and  Terror,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  men,  departed  for  a voy- 
age of  discovery  in  those  regions.  They  proceeded  up  Baffin  Bay,  but  for  several  years 
nothing  was  heard  of  them.  The  whole  civilized  w’orld  seemed  interested  in  the  fate  of 
these  adventurers.  As  the  expeditions  sent  out  from  Great  Britain  had  proved  iinsnc 
cessful,  Mr  Henry  Grinnell,  of  New  York,  equipped  two  vessels,  the  Advance  and 
lioscue,  at  his  own  expense.  They  departed  from  New  York  in  May.  1850.  These  having 
returned,  October,  1851,  without  success,  another  expedition  was  dispatched  by  Mr.  Grin* 
iftell,  aided  by  the  government,  consisting  of  the  brig  Advance,  under  the  command  of 
Hr  E.  K.  Kane,  of  Philadelphia,  the  surgeon  and  naturalist  of  the  first  expedition,  Aft<^-; 
his  return,  Dr  Kane  published  an  interesting  account  of  his  adve::tures.  Unhappily  hS 
constitution  had  been  undermined  by  the  hardships  he  had  encf  untered,  and  he  died  iii 
Cuba,  February  16th,  1857.  His  death  caused  a general  mourning  throughout  the  United 
Sijites. 

The  actual  fate  of  Sir  John  Franklin  and  his  men  has  recently  been  ascertained,  as  we 
have  stated  in  our  account  of  the  Polar  Regions.  (See  p,  4S1.) 
o7 


434:  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

of  the  globe.  It  may  be  added  that,  previous  to  this  time — October, 
1853 — Captain  McClure,  of  the  British  ship  Investigator,  had  proved 
that  a continuous  sea  extends  from  Baffin  Bay  to  Behring  Strait. 
It  is,  however,  of  no  practical  use,  as  it  is  at  all  times  encumbered 
with  ice. 

8.  Several  expeditions  had  been  dispatched  from  England,  in  search 
of  Sir  John  Franklin.  In  one  of  them,  the  ship  Eesolute  was  abandon- 
ed in  the  Arctic  seas.  On  the  23d  December,  1855,  she  was  found 
floating  in  the  Atlantic,  and  brought  safely  into  the  harbor  of  New 
London  by  Captain  Buddington.  She  was  afterward  purchased  by  our 
government,  refitted,  and  sent,  December,  1856,  as  a present  to  the 
British  government,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Hartstene.  The 
present  was  very  graciously  accepted,  and  the  lieutenant  and  his  men 
received  the  most  hearty  and  gratifying  welcome. 


8.  What  of  the  ship  Resolute?  What  of  Lieutenant  Hartstene? 


BUCHANAN’S  ADMINISTRATION. 


435 


PRESIDENT  BUCHANAN. 


CHAPTER  CCXVI 

Buchanan’s  Administration,  beginning  March  4th,  1857. 
— The  Troubles  in  Kansas, — The  Lecompton  Constitu- 
tion in  Congress. — Its  Rejection  by  the  People  of  Kansas,^ 
and  a New  Constitution  adopted. 

1.  In  the  election  for  a successor  to  President  Pierce,  James  Bu- 
>Iianan,* *  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Democratic  candidate,  was  chosen,  and 
duly  inaugurated  March  4th,  1857.  John  0.  Breckenridge,  of  Ken- 
i^cky,  was  elected  vice-president. 


Chap.  CCXVI. — 1.  Wlio  were  inaugurated  president  and  vice-president  March  4th, 
J857? 

* In  this  election  of  November,  1856,  there  were  three  parties  in  the  field.  The  first 
was  that  of  the  Democrats^  whose  convention  had  met  at  Cincinnati,  and  adopted  a 
platform  regarded  as  embracing  the  established  creed  of  the  party.  The  second  was  the 
Jtepul^Ucan  party,  whose  main  principle  was  opposition  to  the  extension  of  slavery  in 
the  Territories.  Their  candidate  was  John  C.  Fremont,  a native  of  Georgia,  and  con- 
spicuous for  his  explorations  and  discoveries,  and  his  public  services  in  California  during 


436 


HISTOEY  OF  THE  UHITED  STATES. 


2.  One  of  the  first  and  most  important  subjects  that  occupied  the 
attention  of  the  new  administration  was  the  state  of  things  in  Kan- 
sas. We  have  already  noticed  the  excitement  which  existed  in  this 
territory ; but  it  is  necessary  to  go  hack,  and  give  a more  particular 
narrative  of  events  connected  with  this  subject. 

3.  The  avowed  doctrine  of  the  Kansas-Kebraska  act,  passed  in  1854, 
was  that  of  ^'‘Popular  Sovereignty or  the  right  of  the  people  of  a 
territory  to  decide  for  themselves  whether  to  admit  slavery  or  not, 
when  they  ask  admission  into  the  IJnion.  In  view  of  this,  a movement 
was  made  at  the  Korth,  and  especially  in  Massachusetts,  by  private 
associations,  to  people  the  territory  of  Kansas  with  emigrants  opposed 
to  the  establishment  of  slavery  there ; a counteracting  effort  was 
made  in  the  South  to  people  the  territory  with  inhabitants  in  favor  of 
slavery.* 

4.  The  result  was  such  as  might  have  been  foreseen.  A great  mass 
of  emigrants  of  opposite  views  and  feelings,  crowded  into  the  territory, 
and  were  soon  in  a state  of  angry  contention.  Scenes  of  violence 
took  place,  and  in  1855  and  1856  there  was  actual  civil  war,  in  which 

the  Mexican  war.  The  electoral  votes  of  all  the  free  states,  excepting  Pennsylvania, 
New  Jersey,  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  California,  were  cast  for  Fremont.  The  third  party 
was  that  of  the  Americans^  their  leading  principle  being  that  Americans  shall  govern 
America”  Their  candidate  was  Millard  Fillmore ; they,  however,  carried  only  the  state 
of  Maryland. 

* In  order  to  understand  the  extent  and  hearing  of  the  question  of  slavery  in  the  United 
States,  it  is  necessary  to  consider  a few  historical  facts.  The  practice  of  holding  human 
beings  as  slaves,  appears  to  have  existed  from  the  earliest  ages.  It  existed  among  the 
ancient  Jews,  even  before  the  time  of  Moses,  and  in  the  days  of  the  patriarchs  *,  it  ex- 
isted among  the  Egyptians,  Greeks,  and  Komans ; it  exists  at  the  present  day  all  over 
Asia  In  point  of  fact,  a great  part  of  mankind,  from  the  beginning  of  history  down  to 
the  Middle  Ages,  were  slaves. 

In  ancient  times,  all  prisoners  of  war  were  reduced  to  slavery,  being  generally  dis- 
tributed as  spoils  among  the  officers  and  men  of  the  conquering  armies.  When  America 
was  discovered,  this  practice  was  still  in  vogue,  and  there  was  no  hesitation  on  the  part 
of  Europeans  in  making  slaves  of  the  Indians  whom  they  captured.  Even  in  New  Eng« 
land,  in  Virginia,  and  the  other  English  colonies,  Indians  taken  in  war  were  sold  as  slaves. 
The  remnant  of  the  Pequods  in  Connecticut,  the  Indians  taken  by  Colonel  Waldron  in 
New  Hampshire,  and  the  children  of  Philip,  the  famous  Ehode  Island  chief,  were  all  en- 
slaved, and  sold  as  property. 

The  first  negro  slaves  brought  to  the  English  colonies  in  America,  twenty  in  number, 
were  landed  from  a Dutch  vessel  at  Jamestown  about  the  year  1619.  From  this  time 
African  slaves  were  imported  into  most  of  the  colonies,  and  they  became  more  or  less 
numerous  in  all.  At  the  time  of  the  Eevolution,  they  existed  in  all  the  thirteen  states* 
but  about  this  period  some  of  the  Northern  states  abolished  slavery,  and  this  example 
w as  followed  by  them  all.  In  1S65  a constitutional  amendment  prohibiting  slavery  was) 
jidopted  by  the  requisite  number  of  states. 


2.  What  was  one  of  the  first  and  most  important  matters  claiming  Mr.  Buchanan’s  at- 
tention? 3.  What  was  the  avowed  principle  of  the  Kansas-Nebraska  act?  What  was 
done  in  the  North  to  get  anti-slavery  settlers  into  Kansas?  What  was  done  at  the  South  ^ 
4.  What  were  the  consequences  of  this  strife  in  Kansas  ? 


THE  LECOMPTON  C O NST I T t T I O K , 


487 


«everal  lives  were  lost,  property  was  destroyed,  and  settlements  broken 
up.* *  After  the  presidential  contest  of  the  latter  year,  the  excitement 
in  some  degree  subsided;  but  now  a new  difficulty  arose. 

5.  A convention,  assembled  at  Le-comp'-ton,  September  7th,  1857. 
for  the  purpose  of  preparing  a state  constitution,  drafted  such  an  in- 
strument, incorporating,  however,  various  provisions  establishing 
slavery  as  the  fundamental  law  of  Kansas.  This  was  at  variance  with 
the  views  of  the  people,  and  at  the  election  of  January  4th,  1858,  a 
majority  of  somewhat  more  than  ten  thousand  votes  was  cast  against 
it.  Mr.  Buchanan,  however,  urged,  as  a means  of  putting  an  end  to 
agitation,  that  Kansas  should  be  admitted  under  this  constitution. 

6.  Congress  refused  to  concur  in  this  measure : a bill,+  however,  was 
introduced  and  passed,  authorizing  the  admission  of  Kansas  upon  cer- 
tain conditions.  These  were  not  acceptable  to  the  people,  and  Kansas 
remained  a territory  until  1861, 


5.  What  of  the  Lecompton  Constitution?  What  of  Mr.  Buchanan?  6.  What  of  Colt' 
gress  ? What  of  the  people  of  Kansas  ? 

* The  inhabitants  who  suffered  these  losses  claim  indemnity  of  the  general  government, 
estimating  their  amount  at  two  millions  of  dollars. 

• + This  measure  is  called  the  '"'‘English  from  the  name  of  th©  member  of  Congres? 

who  proposed  it,  Mr  English,  of  Indiana> 


37^ 


4-38 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES'. 


JSALT  LAKE  CITY,  UTAH. 


CHAPTER  CCXYII. 

! >uchanan’s  Administration,  Continued. — Difficulty  with 
the  Mormons. 

1.  Another  subject  which  early  demanded  the  attention  of  Mr, 
Buchanan,  was  the  condition  of  the  Mormons* *  in  Utah.  This  strang'^/ 
sect,  whom  we  have  already  mentioned  as  causing,  some  disturbance 
in  Illinois,  moved  to  the  west  in  1847,  and  established  themselves  in 


Chap.  CCXYII. — 1.  What  other  subject  demanded  the  early  attention  of  Mr.  Buchan- 
an ? What  of  the  Mormons  ? *' 

* The  sect  of  Mormons  was  founded  in  1827,  by  an  artful  and  unprincipled  man  by  the 
name  of  Joe  Smith,  a native  of  Central  New  York.  He  pretended  that  he  had  received 
a special  revelation  from  Heaven,  imparting  to  him  the  knowledge  of  a book  which  had 
Iain  for  many  centuries  in  a hill  near  the  town  of  Palmyra.  This  he  obtained,  as  he  said, 
and  found  its  leaves  to  be  of  gold,  and  inscribed  with  mystic  writings,  giving  an  account  of 
rhe  ancient  people  of  America,  with  a new  gospel  for  mankind.  This  he  pretended  to 
translate,  and  also,  from  time  to  time,  he  pretended  to  have  diving  revelations.  Prom 
these  sources  the  sect  has  derived  the  Book  of  Mormon^  which  is  their  Bible.  Smith 
found  dupes  and  coadjutors,  and  from  this  infamous  fraud  has  arisen,  in  the  space  of  thirty 
years,  the  now  numerous  sect  of  Mormons. 

Joe  Smith  and  his  brother  Hiram  were  shot  while  in  prison  at  the  Mormon  settle- 
ment of  Nauvoo,  in  Illinois,  in  1815,  and  the  sect  were  forced  into  the  western  wilder- 
ness. They  took  up  their  residence  at  Utah  as  above  stated,  Brighani  Young  becoming 
their  leader.  He  is  called  the  Lion  of  the  Lord  by  tlie  Mormons,  and  it  is  said  has  sev- 
enty wivee.  Other  Mormons  have  from  five  to  twenty  Avives. 


DIFFICULTY  WITH  THE  MORMONS. 


439 


the  vicinity  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake,  amid  the  mountains  which  lie  be- 
tween the  Western  states  and  the  region  of  the  Pacific. 

2.  ISTotwithstanding  the  absurdity  of  the  religious  pretences  on  which 
this  sect  is  founded,  and  their  gross  and  immoral  practice  of  polygamy, 
they  have  rapidly  increased  in  numbers,  and  active  missionaries  are 
found  propagating  the  faith  in  nearly  every  country  of  Europe.  The 
whole  number  of  the  community  is  said  to  exceed  two  hundred  thou- 
sand. In  Utah  there  is  probably  a population  of  one  hundred  thousand, 
almost  exclusively  Mormons. 

8.  i^ear  the  Great  Salt  Lake  they  have  commen<ied  a city  on  an 
extensive  plan,  with  sumptuous  public  buildings,  and  they  have  also 
covered  large  tracts  of  their  territory  with  weU- cultivated  farms- 
Being  on  the  main  route  of  travel  from  the  Western  states  to  Cali- 
fornia, they  derive  great  profit  from  the  emigrants.  Their  govern- 
ment is  in  the  hands  of  a few  persons,  and  a man  by  the  name  of 
Brigham  Y^oung  is  now  (1866)  and  for  several  years  has  been,  their 
prophet,  priest,  and  king. 

4.  In  1850  Utah  was  organized  as  a territory  by  the  United  States 
government,  and  Brigham  Young  was  appointed  governor  by  President 
Fillmore,  and  his  appointment  was  subsequently  renewed  by  President 
Pierce.  In  1857,  however,  charges  of  violence  toward  the  ofl&cers  of 
the  federal  government  in  Utah  were  brought  against  the  Mormons, 
and  in  June  of  this  year.  General  Harney  was  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  a large  body  of  troops  who  were  to  accompany  Mr.  Gumming, 
a new  governor  appointed  in  Brigham  Young’s  place  by  Mr.  Buchanan, 
to  the  scene  of  his  duties. 

5.  Subsequently  the  command  of  the  forces  was  given  to  Colonel 
Johnston,  who  arrived  at  Fort  Bridger,  about  one  hundred  miles  from 
Salt  Lake  City,  in  September,  1857,  and  there  went  into  winter-quar- 
ters. In  December  the  leading  Mormons  were  indicted  for  high  treason 
by  a United  States  court  sitting  at  Camp  Scott,  the  damages  for  the 
destruction  of  provision  trains  belonging  to  the  United  States  army^ 
being  laid  at  two  millions  of  dollars. 

6.  These  formidable  movements  on  the  part  of  the  government  were, 
however,  destined  to  a speedy  and  pacific  issue.  A gentleman  of 
Philadelphia,  by  the  name  of  Kane,  well  acquainted  with  the  Mormons, 
was  privately  dispatched  to  Salt  Lake  City,  and  through  his  representa- 


2.  What  of  the  extension  of  the  sect  of  Mormons  ? 3.  What  city  have  the  Mormons 
commenced?  What  of  their  farms  ? On  what  great  route  of  travel  are  they  ? What  of 
their  government?  Who  is  their  leader?  4.  When  was  Utah  organized  as  a territory? 
Whom  did  Fillmore  appoint  as  governor?  What  charge  was  made  against  the  Mormons 
In  1857?  What  force  was  ordered  to  march  against  the  Mormons?  5.  What  did  the 
United  States  forces  under  Colonel  Johnston  do?  What  was  done  in  December?  6. 
What  was  done  by  Mr.  Kane  ? How  did  the  war  against  the  Mormons  end  ? 


440 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


tions  the  whole  difficulty  was  speedily  adjusted.  The  gates  of  Salt  Lake 
City  were  thrown  open,  and  Governor  Gumming  and  his  train  of  offi- 
cers were  invited  to  enter.  The  whole  affair  was  terminated  by  the 
proclamation  of  the  president  granting  a free  pardon  “to  all  for  the 
seditions  and  treasons  by  them  committed.” 


CHAPTER  COXVlir. 

Buchanan^s  Administration,  Continued.- — The  Panic  of 
1857. — Purchase  of  Mount  Vernon  hy  the  Mount  Yer^ 
non  Ladiei  Association, — Death  of  Thomas  H,  Benton, 

1.  In  the  autumn  of  1857,  a sudden  money  panic  overspread  the 
country,  and  eventually  extended  in  some  degree  to  the  principal  com- 
mercial cities  of  Europe.  On  the  26th  of  September,  the  banks  of 
Philadelphia  suspended  specie  payments;  in  this  they  were  followed 
by  the  iNew  York  banks,  October  13th,  and  by  the  Boston  banks  on 
the  14th.* * 

2.  Yarious  causes  were  assigned  for  this  extraordinary  crisis,  among 
which  the  immense  investments  of  capital  in  western  land  speculations, 
and  the  great  depreciation  of  railroad  stocks,  were  prominent.  The 
storm  seemed  to  fall  with  particular  violence  upon  the  West,  while  it 
was  scarcely  felt  in  the  Southern  states.  The  banks  of  Yew  York  re- 
sumed specie  payments  on  the  12th  of  December,  those  of  Boston  on  the 
14th,  and  those  of  Philadelphia,  in  April,  1858.  In  other  parts,  there 
was  a gradual  recovery,  but  a general  state  of  depression  in  business 
continued  for  nearly  two  years. 

8.  On  the  6th  of  April,  1858,  John  A.  Washington,  proprietor  of 
Mount  Vernon,  the  residence  of  Washington,  signed  a contract  to  sell 
that  beautiful  place  to  the  “Mount  Vernon  Ladies’ Association”  for  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Since  that  time,  this  associa- 
tion, by  their  patient  and  patriotic  labors,  have  collected  the  requisite 
sum,  and  they  are  now  the  proprietors  of  the  Home  and  Grave  of  the 
“ Father  of  his  Country.”  This  is  to  be  held  in  perpetuity  as  a national 
monument,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  him  who  was  “ first  in  war,  first 
in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen.” 

4.  On  the  10th  of  April,  1858,  Thomas  H.  Benton  died  at  Washing- 


Chap.  CCXVIII. — 1.  What  of  a panic  in  1S57?  2.  What  causes  were  assigned  for  this 
^anic?  What  else  can  you  say  of  the  panic  ? 8.  What  can  you  say  of  Mount  Vernon  ? 

* The  Annual  Statement  of  the  New  York  Commercial  Agency,  January,  1858,  assert' 
cd  that  from  December  Gth,  1856,  to  December  6th,  1857,  there  occurred  in  the  United 
States  5,123  failures,  involving  liabilities  to  the  enormous  amount  of  $291,750,000. 


THOMAS  li.  BENTON. 


4il 


THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 


'"ton,  aged  seventy-six  years.  He  was  a man  of  great  industry  and  vast 
memory,  and,  having  been  nearly  his  whole  life  devoted  to  public 
affairs,  was  one  of  the  ablest  of  the  distinguished  men  of  his  time. 
He  was  a native  of  Horth  Carolina,  hut  settled  early  in  Missouri ; and 
being  chosen  senator  of  the  United  States,  upon  the  organization  of 
that  state  in  1820,  he  continued  to  fill  the  office  till  1851. 

5.  During  this  long  period  of  about  thirty  years,  he  was  an  active 
member  of  the  Senate,  and,  by  his  careful  researches  and  great  learn- 
ing, was  in  many  respects,  useful  and  influential.  During  the  latter 
part  of  his  life,  he  devoted  himself  to  literary  pursuits,  and  published 
two  able  and  important  works — a View  of  Public  Affairs  during  his 
thirty  years’  membership  of  the  Senate,  and  an  Abridgment  of  the 
Debates  in  Congress.  The  last  sheet  of  this  work  was  finished  a short 
time  before  his  death. 


19* 


4,  5.  What  of  Thomas  H.  Benton  ? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


442 


LAYING  THE  ATLANTIC  CABLE. 


CHAPTER  CCXIX. 

Buchanan’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Public  Im- 

provements.— Canals.,  Steam- Navigation.,  Railroads. — 
The  Submarine  Telegraph. 

1.  We  have  already  had  occasion  to  mention  the  Electric  Telegraph, 
certainly  the  most  startling  invention  of  modern  times.  Canals* *  had 
done  much  to  facilitate  the  transportation  of  merchandise  and  agricul- 
tural products ; steamboats  had  made  rivers  the  familiar  pathways  of 
commerce  and  travel ; railroads  had  given  to  man  almost  the  speed 
of  wings,  as  Avell  for  himself  as  his  goods. 

2.  But  a new  instrument  for  the  transmission  of  thought,  swift  as 
lightning  itself,  was  now  added  to  these  wonderful  gifts.  Lines  of 
Electric  Telegraph*  were  rapidly  spread  over  tliis  country,  as  well  as 
the  countries  of  Europe  ; by  means  of  these,  individuals  thousands  of 

Chap.  CCXIX. — 1.  What  of  canals?  The  New  York  and  Erie  Canal  ? What  of  steam- 
boats? What  of  railroads  ? 

* Previous  to  the  invention  of  railroads,  canals  were  extensively  used  for  the  transport- 
ation of  merchandise.  Great  Britain  and  Holland  were  covered  with  a network  of  canals- 
The  Erie  Canal,  in  New  York,  extending  from  Albany  to  Lake  Erie,  and  connecting  the 
great  lakes  with  the  ocean  by  internal  navigation,  was  finished  in  1825.  It  was  the  most 
Important  work  of  the  kind  on  this  continent,  and  perhaps  in  the  world,  and  was  carried 
through  chiefly  by  the  untiring  and  energetic  exertions  of  DeWitt  Clinton,  an  able  and 
patriotic  statesman  of  the  state  of  New  York.  Many  other  canals  were  established  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States  about  the  same  period. 


THE  ATLANTIC  CABLE. 


443 


miles  apart,  can  liold  communication  in  the  space  of  a few  brief  hours. 
In  the  course  of  a single  day,  a person  can  send  a dozen  messages  from 
Kew  York  to  Boston  or  Philadelphia,  to  a single  correspondent,  and 
get  back  an  answer  to  each.  In  two  or  three  hours,  he  can  communicate 
with  New  Orleans  and  have  his  reply. 

3.  But  now  a new  wonder  was  realized,  i\\Q  Submarine  Telegraph. 
The  electric  wires  were  laid  across  broad  rivers  and  even  arms  of  the 
sea,  and  the  subtle  intelligence  passed  successfully  through  their 
depths!  At  last  the  idea  of  connecting  Europe  with  America,  by 
means  of  electric  wires  laid  in  the  Atlantic,  was  suggested.  Surveys 
of  this  ocean  were  made,  and  while  its  various  irregularities  were  duly 
noted,  the  average  depth  was  ascertained  to  be  about  two  miles. 

4.  In  the  summer  of  185T,  an  attempt  was  made  to  realize  the  object 
in  view,  under  the  auspices  of  a Company  formed  in  this  country  and 
England,  with  the  aid  of  vessels  furnished  by  the  governments  of  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain.  This  proved  unsuccessful;  but  a 
second  attempt  was  more  fortunate.  The  two  vessels,  the  Niagara,  an 
American  war-steamer,  and  the  Ag-a-mem'-non,  a British  war-stea- 
mer, meeting  in  mid- ocean,  began  paying  out  the  electric  cable  on  the 
29th  of  July,  1858. 

5.  The  latter  vessel  proceeded  eastward,  and  entered  Ya-len'-tia  Bay^ 
on  the  west  coast  of  Ireland,  August  5th,  1858,  having  .successfully 
laid  its  portion  of  the  cable.  On  the  5th  of  xAugust,  the  Niagara  en- 
tered Trinity  Bay,  in  Newfoundland,  having  had  similar  good  fortune. 
Thus  the  cable  was  actually  laid,  and  on  the  16th  of  August,  a mes- 
sage from  Queen  Victoria  was  received  through  the  wires,  addressed 
to  President  Buchanan.  Immediately  after,  various  messages  were  ex- 
changed between  the  two  continents.  This  amazing  achievement  was 
celebrated  with  great  ceremony  on  the  1st  of  September,  in  New 
York,  and  also  with  more  or  less  rejoicing  in  other  cities  of  the  United 
States. 

2.  What  of  the  electric  telegraph?  Who  was  the  inventor  of  it?  3.  What  of  the 
euhinarine  telegraph  crossing  rivers  and  arras  of  the  sea?  What  of  crossing  the  Atlantic? 
L What  attempt  was  made  in  1857 ? What  was  the  success  of  this  first  attempt?  What 
of  the  second  attempt?  What  was  done  by  the  two  vessels,  Agamemnon  and  Niagara? 
5.  What  of  the  Agamemnon?  The  Niagara?  What  was  the  result  of  laying  the  electric 
cable?  What  celebration  was  had ? 

* We  are  indebted  for  the  Electric  Telegraph  to  the  ingenious  discoveries  and  inven- 
tions of  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse,  of  New  York.  The  first  message  was  sent  over  the.  wires 
from  Washington  to  Baltimore  in  1844,  and  consisted  of  the  .following  line:  '"'‘What  hath 
God  wrought  V Soon  after — that  is,  in  the  spring  of  1844 — the  news  of  the  nomination 
of  James  K.  Polk  by  the  Democratic  convention  at  Baltimore,  Avas  dispatched,  this  being 
the  first  public  use  of  the  telegraph.  Lines  of  tele'graph,  measuring  together  tAventy  thou- 
sand miles  in  length,  are  established  in  this  country.  Great  Britain,  France,  Germany, 
etc.,  etc.,  are  netted  Avith  telegraphic  lines.  The  English  Channel,  the  Adriatic  Sea,  the 
Red  Sea,  the  Black  Sea,  the  Mediterranean,  and  other  waters,  are  also  crossed  by  telegraphic 


wires. 


444 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


6.  The  hopes  thus  excited  were  not,  however,  realized,  for,  after  a 
short  time,  the  wires  ceased  to  work;  but  the  feasibility  of  com- 
munication across  the  Atlantic  had  been  demonstrated,  and  means 
were  taken  for  another  effort  to  accomplish  the  desired  object.  In 
July,  1866,  the  enterprise  was  crowned  with  success,  and  messages 
are  now  constantly  transmitted  from  one  continent  to  the  other. 


CHAPTEE  CCXX. 

Buchanan’s  Administration,  Continued.  —Minnesota 
admitted  as  a State. — History  of  Oregon. — Its  admis- 
sion into  the  Union. — The  San  Juan  Difficulty. 

1.  On  the  11th  of  May,  1858,  Minnesota  was  admitted  as  a state 
into  the  Union.  It  lies  immediately  north  of  Iowa,  and  extends  to 
the  Canadian  boundary.  On  the  north-east  it  touches  Lake  Superior; 
on  the  west  it  is  bounded  by  the  territory  of  Dakota. 

2.  This  vast  region  comprises  the  head- waters  of  the  Mississippi,  the 
greatest  river  of  the  earth ; it  abounds  in  rivers  and  lakes,  teeming 
with  fish ; its  soil  is  prolific,  and  its  forests  are  among  the  finest  in  the 
world.  Its  name  is  derived  from  Min-ni-so' -tah^  the  Indian  title  of  St. 
Peter’s  River,  and  signifying  turbid  water. 

3.  This  terribory  belonged  to  the  French  by  priority  of  discovery; 
at  a very  early  period  it  was  traversed  by  their  missionaries,  traders, 
and  soldiers.  It  came  to  Great  Britain  by  the  treaty  of  1763,  and  to 
the  United  States  by  the  treaty  of  1783.  It  received  a territorial  gov- 
ernment in  1849,  the  capital  being  fixed  at  Saint  Paul.  It  has  still  in 
its  northern  regions  considerable  bands  of  Chippewa  Indians. 

4.  During  the  Congressional  session  of  1858-9,  Oregon  was  also  ad- 
mitted as  a state.  It  originally  included  the  territory  of  Washington; 
these  two  comprised  the  extensive  tract  lying  between  the  British 
possessions  on  the  north,  and  California  on  the  south ; the  Rocky 
Mountains  on  the  east,  and  the  Pacific  on  the  west. 

5.  The  coasts  of  this  region  were  discovered  by  the  Spaniards  in  tha 
sixteenth  century,  but  in  1792,  Captain  Gray,  of  Boston,  discovered 
and  entered  the  Columbia  River,  and  thus  the  United  States  acquired 
a right  of  sovereigaty  over  the  territory.  This,  claim  was  strengthened 
by  the  fact  that  in  1804-5-6,  Lewis  and  Clarke,  dispatched  by  our  gov- 


6.  What  of  the  hopes  thus  excited  ? 

Chapter  CCXX. — 1.  When  was  Minnesota  admitted  as  a state?  2,  S.  History  of  Minne 
8ota.  4.  When  was  Oregon  admitted  as  a state  ? What  did  it  originally  comprise  ? 


MINNESOTA  AND  OREGON. 


445 


ernmei?.t,  explored  the  country  from  the  Missouri  to  the  Columbia, 
and  spent  in  that  region  a part  of  the  winter  of  1805-6.  ’ 

6.  The  British,  however,  laid  claim  to  the  northern  portion  of  the 
territory,  and  a threatening  disp’ute  consequently  arose  between  the 
government  of  that  country  and  our  own.  This  was  adjusted  by  a 
treaty  in  1846,  adopting  the  boundary  line  of  49°  north  latitude,  as 
elsewhere  stated. 

7.  The  state  of  Oregon  and  the  neighboring  territories  of  Washing- 
ton, Idaho,  and  Montana,  contain  many  tribes  of  Indians : of  these 
the  principal  are  the  FlaV -heads ^ Pend  Oreilles  \^pond-o-rai/],  Spo^- 
hanes,  Sho^-sliones,  Nez  Perces  \iiay  pair-say'\,  Cay-u^-ses,  and  Ban^ 
nacks.  These  for  the  most  part  are  mere  savages,  though  the  mission- 
aries have  exercised  a civilizing  influence  upon  a portion  of  them. 
The  rivers  of  this  region  abound  in  fish,  and  in  the  spring  and  sum- 
mer the  Indians,  with  their  horses  and  dogs,  feed  and  fatten  upon 
them. 

8.  The  furs  of  this  region,  those  of  the  beaver,  badger,  bear,  fisher- 
fox,  lynx,  martin,  mink,  muskrat,  etc.,  have  long  been  an  impor- 
tant source  of  revenue.  Trading  posts  were  early  established  by  Amer- 
ican fur  companies  in  this  quarter,  that  of  As-to'-ri-a  being  founded 
in  1810,  under  the  auspices  of  the  late  John  Jacob  Astor,  of  New  York. 
The  British  fur  companies  also  had  establishments  here ; these,  with 

* the  American  companies,  both  occupied  the  disputed  boundary,  until 
the  treaty  of  1846. 

9.  At  the  present  time,  though  the  fur  trade  is  still  important, 
agriculture  is  the  chief  object  of  pursuit.  Salem,  on  the  right  bank 
of  the  Wil-la^-mette  River,  is  the  capital  of  Oregon,  and  0-lym^-pi-a, 
at  the  head  of  Pu^-geBs  Sound,  that  of  the  territory  of  Washington. 

10.  The  neighboring  British  colonies  of  Vancouver  Island  and 
British  Columbia,  where  gold-mines  have  recently  been  discovered, 
are  rapidly  increasing,  and  afford  considerable  sources  of  commerce 
with  the  American  settlements  we  are  describing. 

11.  In  the  fall  of  the  year  1859,  a dispute  arose  between  the  Ameri- 
can and  British  governments  as  to  the  right  of  sovereignty  over  the 
large  island  of  San  Ju-an^,  lying  in  the  strait  or  river  which  divide:- 
Vancouver  Island  from  the  American  territory.  The  American 
commander.  General  Harney,  took  possession  of  it,  against  which  act 
the  British  governor,  Douglass,  protested.  General  Scott'  was  dis- 
patched by  our  government  to  the  scene  of  the  dispute,  and  speedily 
settled  the  quarrel. 


5.  What  were  the  grounds  of  our  claim  to  this  region  ? 6.  What  did  the  British  chum  * 

7.  What  of  the  Indians  in  Oregon  and  neighboring  territories?  8.  What  of  furs  ii*  these 
regions?  Fur  companies ? 9.  Capitals  of  Oregon  and  Washington?  10.  What  of  the  British 
territories  contiguous  to  Washington  Territory?  11.  What  of  the  island  of  San  Juan? 

38 


446 


HISTORY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CCXXI. 

Buchanan’s  Administration,  Concluded. — The  Doctrine 
of  the  Right  of  Secession. — The  Presidential  Election 
of  1860. — Its  Result  and  Consequences. 

1.  We  come  now  to  the  most  importani;  period  in  the  history  of  the 
United  States — that  of  the  attempted  secession  of  certain  of  the 
Southern  or  slave  states,  and  the  consequent  war  between  them  and 
the  government — a war  vchich  lasted  four  years,  and  in  which  hun- 
dreds of  thousands  of  lives  were  lost.  This  terrible  event  arose  from 
the  following  state  of  facts. 

2.  Many  of  the  leading  men  of  the  South  believed  that  they  derived 
great  advantages,  social  and  political,  from  the  institution  of  slavery, 
and  had  long  regarded  their  connection  with  the  North  as  injurious 
to  their  interests.  They  desired  to  separate  from  the  free  states,  that 
they  might  be  at  liberty  to  set  up  a government  of  their  own,  with 
slavery  as  its  corner-stone.  They  believed  that  they  might  establish 
a magnificent  empire,  which  the  whole  world  would  be  eager  to 
acknowledge.  Cotton,  they  said,  was  king — meaning,  that  as  all 
nations  needed  and  must  have  cotton,  they  would  defend  the  cotfcon- 
growing  states  from  invasion  or  blockade,  and  thus  support  them  in  ^ 
the  step  which  they  proposed  to  take. 

3.  They  had  made  one  attempt  in  this  direction  in  1832,  when  the 
state  of  South  Carolina  attempted  to  nullify,  or  disobey,  a law  o£^the 
United  States  ; this,  as  we  have  seen,  was  promptly  put  down  by 
President  Jackson.  From  that  time  to  the  close  of  Mr.  Buchanan^s 
term,  the  Southern  leaders  had  been  preparing  for  a second  and  more 
formidable  attempt.  They  taught  their  people  to  look  with  distrust 
upon  the  people  of  the  North,  and  that  slavery  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  their  prosperity. 

4.  They  were  convinced,  however,  that  it  would  not  do  to  attempt 
a revolution : they  felt  that  it  was  necessary  to  have,  or  to  seem  to 
have,  the  Constitution  on  their  side,  and  they  openly  avowed  the  doc- 
trine of  the  right  of  secession.  The  people  were  taught  to  believe 
that  any  state  could  withdraw  from  the  union  of  states  at  its  pleasure  ; 
that  the  states  were  sovereign,  and  that  the  government  was  but  their 


Chap,  CCXXI. — 1.  What  of  the  attempted  secession  of  certain  states?  2.  What  of  the 
views  of  leading  men  of  the  South?  What  did  they  desire?  What  did  they  expect  from 
cotton?  3.  What  had  they  done  in  1832?  What  had  they  taught  the  people  to  do? 
4.  State  their  theory  of  the  right  of  secession. 


THE  THEORY  OF  SECESSION. 


447 


agent,  which  any  one  of  them  could  repudiate  at  will.  This  danger- 
ous theory,  which  might  really  be  fatal  to  the  Constitution,  was  fully 
believed,  in  1860,  by  a large  portion  of  the  Southern  people. 

5.  The  leaders,  having  taught  the  people  to  believe  that  it  was  for 
their  interest  to  maintain  slavery,  now  taught  them  to  believe  that  the 
people  of  the  North  wished  to  prevent  it,  and  were  going  to  elect  a 
president  who  would  take  their  slaves  away  from  them. 

6.  The  people  of  the  North,  however,  had  no  such  intention.  It 
is  true  a large  majority  of  them  thought  slavery  injurious  to  the 
South  ; injurious  to  the  slaves,  injurious  to  the  poor  whites,  whose 
labor  was  thus  brought  into  ruinous  competition  with  slave  labor, 
and  injurious  to  the  slave-owner.  But  they  had  no  intention  of  inter- 
fering with  a domestic  institution  over  which  they  had  no  constitm 
tional  power. 

7.  A presidential  election  was  now  at  hand.  The  South  had  become 
greatly  exasperated  at  the  prospect  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  nomination,  and 
shared,  in  a degree,  in  the  agitation  which  followed.  The  South 
threatened  secession : the  North  paid  little  heed  to  these  threats,  and, 
indeed,  was  unduly  blind  to  the  menacing  aspect  of  things  at  the 
South. 

8.  In  this  state  of  affairs,  the  candidates  were  nominated : Abra- 
ham Lincoln,  of  Illinois,  by  the  republican  party,  whose  doctrine  was 
that  slavery,  though  it  must  be  tolerated  where  it  existed,  ought  not 
to  be  extended  into  territory  at  that  time  free,  and  which  might  be 
acquired  by  the  United  States  ; John  C.  Breck^-en-ridge,  of  Kentucky, 
by  a portion  of  the  democratic  party,  who  contended  that  slavery 
might  be  so  extended. 

9.  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  of  Illinois,  whose  doctrine — that  known  as 
Squatter  Sovereignty — was,  that  the  settlers  of  a territory,  when 
they  framed  a State  Constitution,  could  best  decide  the  question  for 
themselves;  and  John  Bell,  of  Tennessee,  whose  partisans  placed 
upon  their  banners  the  simple  device  of  “ The  Constitution  and  the 
Laws.^^  The  election  took  place  in  November,  1860,  and  Abraham 
Lincoln  was  elected  president  for  four  years  from  the  4th  of  March 
next  following. 


5.  What  were  Southerners  taught  to  believe  of  Northerners  ? 6.  What  were  the  real 

views  of  the  people  of  the  North?  7.  What  was  now  the  state  of  the  country?  8,  9. 
What  candidates  were  nominated  for  the  presidency,  and  what  were  the  views  of  their 
respective  partisans?  Who  was  elected? 


448 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


CUSTOM-HOUSE, 


CHARLESTON,  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 


CHAPTER  CCXXII. 

Lincoln’s  Administration. — Secession  of  South  Carolina 
and  other  States, — Policy  of  the  New  President  in 
regard  to  Coercion, — Attach  on  Fort  Sumter, — Com- 
mencement of  the  Rebellion, — The  Blockade. 

1.  The  state  of  South  Carolina  soon  carried  out  the  threat  she  had 
made,  and  her  legislature  passed,  in  December,  an  ordinance  of  seces- 
sion. Similar  ordinances  were  passed  by  the  legislatures  of  Mis- 
sissippi, Alabama,  Florida,  Georgia,  Louisiana,  and  Texas.  United^ 
States  forts,  arsenals,  mints,  custom-houses,  ships,  were  seized  by) 
the  states  within  whose  borders  they  were : the  government  of  Mr.‘ 
Buchanan  offering  no  resistance,  and  practically  aeknowledging  that 


Chap.  CCXXII  >—l.  What  did  South  Carolina  now  do?  Other  etates?  What  efforts, 
arsenals,  &c.  ? What  did  Mr.  Buchanan  do  I 


PRESIDENT  LINCOLN. 


449 


the  general  government  had  no  constitutional  power  to  coerce  a sov- 
ereign state. 


PRESIDENT  LINCOLN. 

2.  Abraham  Lincoln  was  inaugurated  on  the  4th  of  March,  1861. 
He  found,  on  his  accession  to  office,  that  a formidable  rebellion  ex- 
isted within  the  territory  he  had  been  summoned  to  rule  : certain  of 
the  states  which  had  taken  part  in  the  election,  dissatisfied  with  the 
result,  had  chosen  a president  and  vice-president  of  their  own, 
namely,  Jefferson  Davis  and  Alexander  H.  Stephens,  and  had  set  up 
a separate  government,  which  called  itself  the  Confederate  States 
of  America. 

3.  Mr.  Lincoln  found  also  that  the  few  ships  which  composed  the 
United  States  Navy  had  been  generally  sent  to  far  distant  seas ; that 
the  fragments  of  the  army,  which  were  principally  stationed  in  the 


2,  3.  Describe  the  coudition  in  which  President  Lincoln  found  the  country,  on  his  acces- 
sion to  power. 

38* 


450  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Southern  states,  had  been  overpowered  and  captured,  or  had  been 
surrendered  bj  their  commanders ; that  a large  volunteer  army  was 
already  under  arms  in  the  South ; and  that  the  flag  of  the  United 
States,  driven  from  the  soil  of  the  seceded  states,  floated  over  but  two 
of  the  forts  defending  their  harbors — Fort  Sumter  near  Charleston, 
and  Fort  Pickens  near  Pensacola. 

4.  Major  Anderson,  with  70  men,  was  in  command  at  Fort  Sumter. 
He  witnessed  the  erection  of  batteries  around  the  fort,  without  resist- 
ance— as  permission  to  resist  was  withheld — and  by  the  1st  of  April, 
the  supply  of  provisions  in  the  beleaguered  stronghold  was  well-nigh 
exhausted.  On  the  11th,  General  Beauregard,  commanding  the 
Southern  forces,  being  informed  that  an  attempt  would  be  made  to 
throw  supplies  and  reinforcements  into  the  fort,  sent  a formal  demand 
to  Major  Anderson  to  evacuate  the  place  and  turn  it  over  to  the  autho- 
rities of  South  Carolina — a demand  with  which  Major  Anderson 
refused  to  comply. 


FORT  SUMTER. 


5.  At  half-past  four  on  the  morning  of  April  12th,  the  first  shot 
vras  fired  from  Fort  Moultrie,  and  immediately  afterwards  began  the 
strange  battle  between  7,000  men  on  one  side  and  70  on  the  other,  in 


4.  What  of  Major  Anderson?  What  did  Beauregard  demand?  The  answer? 


FORT  S U M TE  R. 


451 


-ft'hich  no  lives  were  lost  on  either  side.  Fort  Sumter  withheld  her 
fire  three  hours,  when  her  guns  opened  with  vigor.  The  strife  con- 
tinued without  result  during  the  day,  Beauregard  keeping  up  his  fire 
lit  intervals  through  the  night. 

6.  The  next  day,  the  wood- work  of  Fort  Sumter  was  set  on  fire  by 
shells,  and  the  men  were  forced  to  leave  the  guns  to  arrest  the  flames. 
At  twelve,  the  whole  roofing  of  the  barracks  was  on  fire,  and  there 
was  imminent  danger  of  an  explosion  of  the  magazine.  At  last,  worn 
out,  suflPocated  and  almost  blinded,  the  garrison  capitulated,  and  the 
next  day  marched  out  with  the  honors  of  war,  saluting  the  flag,  then 
taking  it  down  and  carrying  it  with  them. 

7.  The  telegraph  conveyed  the  tidings  of  this  event  to  all  parts  of 
the  country ; it  excited  everywhere  the  greatest  amazement,  few  per- 
sons having  believed  hitherto  that  the  South  would  ever  proceed  to 
extremities.  It  was  also  met  with  the  determination,  on  the  part  of 
nine- tenths  of  the  people  of  the  i^orth,  that  the  rebellion  should  be 
suppressed,  no  matter  how  much  human  life,  how  much  time  and 
money,  its  suppression  might  require.  The  President  issued  a proc- 
lamation on  the  15th,  calling  for  seventy-five  thousand  volunteer 
soldiers,  and  summoning  Congress  to  meet  upon  the  4th  of  July.  . 

8.  Though  Virginia  had  not  yet  seceded,  there  was  little  doubt  of 
her  soon  doing  so,  and  as  her  territory  was  only  separated  by  the 
Potomac  from  the  District  of  Columbia,  the  situation  of  the  capital 
was  thought  to  be  exceedingly  critical.  The  eastern  troops,  there- 
fore, were  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Washington,  those  of  the  west 
concentrating  at  Cairo,  St.  Louis,  Paducah,  and  Louisville.  Virginia 
seceded  on  the  25th  of  April,  and  North  Carolina,  Tennessee,  and 
Arkansas  successively  followed  her  example.  The  enemy’s  capital,  at 
first  established  at  Montgomery,  Alabama,  was  soon  afterwards 
removed  to  Richmond,  Virginia. 

9.  One  of  the  strongest  measures  taken  against  the  South,  and  put 
in  force  during  the  summer,  was  the  blockade  of  their  ports  by 
United  States  ships.  This  blockade  the  subjects  of  Queen  Victoria, 
and  subsequently  those  of  other  European  powers,  were  enjoined  by 
their  respective  sovereigns,  in  proclamations  of  neutrality,  not  to 
attempt  to  break.  These  commands  were  pretty  generally  heeded, 
except  by  the  English,  who,  throughout  the  struggle,  while  depre- 


5,  6.  Describe  the  battle  of  Fort  Sumter.  7.  What  was  the  effect  upon  the  country?  What 
did  the  president  do?  8.  What  was  thought  of  the  condition  of  Washington?  What  of 
the  eastern  troops?  The  western?  What  of  Virginia?  The  enemy’s  capital?  9.  What 
strong  measure  was  adopted  against  the  enemy?  What  ot  the  conduct  of  foreigners? 
The  consequence  to  themselves  ? 


452  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


eating  bloodshed,  did  much  to  increase  it,  by  supplying  the  enemy 
with  articles  contraband  of  war.  Some  of  the  persons  engaged  in 
this  traffic  made  large  fortunes,  while  some  were  ruined ; and  per- 
haps two-thirds  of  their  vessels  were  either  captured  or  destroyed  by 
the  northern  army  and  navy. 

10.  Small  skirmishes  and  fights  of  an  unimportant  nature,  but 
which  at  the  time  seemed  battles  upon  a large  scale,  took  place 
during  the  month  of  June — at  Big  Bethel  in  Virginia,  and  at  Boone- 
ville  and  Carthage,  Missouri.  In  July,  the  forces  in  Western  Virginia, 
under  Generals  McClellan  and  Rosecrans,  drove  out  the  enemy  oppos- 
ing them  there,  and  in  the  middle  of  the  month,  the  main  United 
States  Army  at  Washington,  under  General  McDowell,  with  a co- 
operating force  under  General  Patterson  near  Martinsburg,  Virginia, 
commenced  their  advance  upon  the  enemy^s  capital. 


CHAPTER  OCXXIII. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Battle  of 
B ull  Run, — Other  Events  of  the  Year  1861. 

1.  Aftee  several  days’  skirmishing,  the  two  armies  met  near  a 
bridge  crossing  a stream  called  Bull  Run,  near  Manassas  Junction  in 
Virginia.  The  Union  army  advanced  in  three  divisions  under  Gen- 
erals Heintzelman,  Tyler,  and  Hunter,  two  divisions,  those  of  Miles 
and  Runyon,  being  in  reserve  and  not  engaged.  The  fight  lasted  for 
six  hours,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  Unionists  were  everywhere 
successful,  and  seemed  on  the  point  of  gaining  a decisive  victory. 

2.  At  this  moment,  however,  the  enemy  received  reinforcements 
under  General  Johnston,  from  Winchester,  General  Patterson  having 
failed  to  hold  them  in  check.  The  Union  army,  unable  to  withstand 
an  attack  from  fresh  troops,  fell  into  disorder,  and  finally  into  panic. 
The  consequence  was  a serious  disaster  and  a retreat  upon  Washing- 
ton bearing  all  the  features  of  a rout.  The  loss  of  the  Unionists  was 
about  two  thousand  seven  hundred  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing; 
that  of  the  enemy,  nineteen  hundred. 


10.  Mention  some  early  battles  of  the  war.  What  took  place  near  Washington  in 
July? 

Chap.  CCXXni.— 1,  2.  Describe  the  battle  of  Bull  Run. 


CAPTURE  OF  PORT  ROYAL. 


453 


3.  The  North,  however,  instead  of  being  discouraged,  girded  itself 
afresh  for  the  struggle ; Congress  gave  the  president  all  the  men  and 
money  he  desired,  and  General  McClellan,  who  had  been  successful 
in  his  operations  in  Western  Virginia,  was  called  to  the  command  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Immense  numbers  of  soldiers  were  now 
sent  forward  to  the  armies ; those  joining  the  army  under  General 
McClellan  accumulated  till,  at  the  beginning  of  1862,  it  numbered 
about  two  hundred  thousand. 

4.  Several  battles  were  fought  in  Missouri  in  July  and  August, 
with  varying  results;  in  one  of  them,  that  of  Wilson^s  Creek,  General 
Lyon  of  the  Union  army  was  killed.  On  the  29th  of  August,  a joint 
military  and  naval  expedition,  under  General  Butler  and  Commodore 
Stringham,  captured  two  forts  upon  Hatteras  Inlet,  North  Carolina, 
defending  the  entrance  to  Pamlico  and  Albemarle  Sounds.  This  not 
only  shut  up  a coast  exceedingly  difficult  to  blockade,  but  gave  the 
Unionists  an  important  hold  upon  the  enemy’s  country. 

5.  On  the  1st  of  November,  Lieutenant-General  Scott  resigned  his 
position  as  general-in-chief  of  the  armies  of  fhe  United  States,  and 
Major-General  McClellan  was  appointed  to  succeed  him.  This  selec- 
tion was  received  with  universal  approbation  by  the  country. 

6.  On  the  7th  of  November,  an  attack  was  made  by  a naval  force 
under  Commodore  Dupont  upon  the  forts  at  the  entrance  of  the  har- 
bor of  Port  Royal,  in  South  Carolina.  The  enemy  abandoned  their 
forts,  with  forty-two  guns,  after  a fight  of  five  hours,  and  a Union 
army,  under  General  T.  W.  Sherman,  took  possession  of  the  town  and 
harbor,  and  of  the  inland  village  of  Beaufort.  This  was  the  most 
important  Union  success  during  the  first  year  of  the  war. 

7.  On  the  day  after  this  victory.  Captain  Wilkes,  commanding  the 
U.  S.  frigate  San  Jacinto,  overhauled  the  British  mail  steamer  Trent, 
at  sea,  and  took  from  her  Messrs.  Mason  and  Slidell,  ambassadors 
from  the  enemy’s  government  to  England  and  France.  This  act  caused 
great  excitement  in  Europe  and  America,  and  war  seemed  for  a time 
imminent  between  England  and  the  United  States.  It  was  averted, 
however,  by  the  skilful  management  of  Mr.  Seward,  Secretary  of 
State,  and  the  envoys  were  sent  forward  to  their  destination. 

8.  A majority  of  the  people  of  that  part  of  the  state  of  Virginia 
lying  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  were  opposed  to  secession  ; and 


3.  What  did  Congress  now  do?  W"ho  was  appointed  to  command  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac?  What  of  this  army  ? 4.  What  of  battles  in  Missouri ? Describe  the  expedition 
against  Hatteras  Inlet.  5.  What  of  Generals  Scott  and  McClellan  ? 6.  What  of  an  attack 

upon  Port  Royal?  What  of  the  capture  of  the  enemy’s  ambassadors?  The  conse- 
quence ? 


454 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


on  the  26th  of  November,  1861,  a convention  of  loyal  delegates  from 
forty  counties  met  at  Wheeling  and  framed  a constitution  for  a new 
state.  This  was  adopted  by  a vote  of  the  people  in  May,  1862 ; and 
on  the  31st  of  December  of  the  same  year  the  new  state,  under  the 
title  of  West  Virginia,  was  admitted  into  the  Union. 

9.  On  the  19th  of  January,  1862,  an  important  action  was  fought 
at  Mill  Spring,  in  Kentucky,  between  the  Unionists  under  Generals 
Schoepf  and  Thomas,  and  the  enemy  under  Generals  Crittenden  and 
Zollicoffer.  The  latter  were  forced  in  great  confusion  and  with  heavy 
loss  across  the  Cumberland  Eiver;  General  Zollicoffer  was  killed. 

10.  In  February,  an  expedition  under  General  Burnside,  having 
passed  through  Hatteras  Inlet,  made  itself  master  of  large  portions  of 
the  interior  coast  of  North  Carolina,  and  of  the  important  stronghold 
of  Roanoke  Island.  A large  number  of  the  enemy^s  vessels  navigating 
the  waters  of  Pamlico  and  Albemarle  Sounds  were  destroyed,  and  a 
wide  extent  of  territory  fell  into  the  undisputed  possession  of  the 
United  States.  These  successes,  while  they  greatly  encouraged  the 
Unionists,  did  not  seem  in  the  least  to  dishearten  the  enemy. 


CHAPTER  COXXIV. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Battle  of 
Fort  Bonelson, — The  Merrimac  and  Monitor, — The 
Battle  of  Shiloh, — Beduction  of  Fort  Pulashi, — Cap- 
ture of  New  Orleans, 

1.  Thus  far,  there  had  been  little  purpose  or  plan  in  the  conduct 
of  the  war.  The  various  battles  fought  had  borne  no  relation  to  each 
other  ; there  had  been  no  co-operation  between  the  East  and  the  West. 
This  was  now  to  be  changed  ; and  victories  were  to  be  won,  by  which 
the  enemy  would  be  forced  not  only  to  retreat  from  the  field,  but  to 
abandon  whole  states. 

2.  The  enemy  had  fortified  three  rivers,  the  Mississippi,  the  Ten- 
nessee, and  the  Cumberland.  They  knew  that  the  Union  army  could 
liardly  advance  into  and  remain  in  the  rebellious  districts  unless  it 


8.  What  of  West  Virginia?  9.  Describe  the  battle  of  Mill  Spring.  10.  What  of  Burnside’s 
expedition  against  North  Carolina?  The  result  of  these  successes? 

Chap.  CCXXIV. — 1.  What  of  the  plan  of  the  war,  thus  far?  What  was  now  to  be  done? 
2.  What  rivers  had  the  enemy  fortified,  and  why? 


THE  BATTLE  OF  EOBT  DONELSON. 


455 


was  sustained  and  provisioned  by  the  navy.  To  keep  the  Union 
gunboats  from  ascending  the  Tennessee  and  Cumberland  and  de- 
scending the  Mississippi,  was  the  object  of  the  forts  erected  upon 
their  banks ; to  take  these  forts  and  open  the  way  for  an  advance 
was  the  work  now  before  the  Union  army. 

3.  On  the  6th  of  February,  Fort  Henry,  on  the  Tennessee,  was 
attacked  and  taken  by  Flag-Officer  Foote’s  fleet  of  seven  gunboats, 
after  a short  fight  of  one  hour  and  a quarter.  The  main  body  of  the 
garrison  escaped  to  Fort  Donelson,  upon  the  Cumberland  Eiver, 
about  twenty  miles  from  Fort  Henry. 

4.  Fort  Donelson  was  invested  by  forty  thousand  Unionists  under 
General  Grant,  on  the  12th.  The  battle  commenced  on  the  13th, 
Foote’s  fleet,  which  had  descended  the  Tennessee  into  the  Ohio,  and 
thence  sailed  up  the  Cumberland,  arriving  at  nightfall.  The  fight 
continued  during  the  14th,  and  a terrific  assault  made  upon  the 
works  on  the  afternoon  of  the  15th,  placed  the  Union  troops  in  pos- 
session of  a redoubt  commanding  the  principal  fortress. 

5.  The  next  morning,  it  was  found  that  five  thousand  men  of  the 
garrison  had  decamped,  and  that  the  remainder,  some  thirteen  thou- 
sand men,  would  surrender,  if  favorable  terms  were  granted.  Gen- 
eral Grant  sent  word  that  the  surrender  must  be  unconditional,  and 
that  he  proposed  moving  immediately  upon  their  works.  The  conse- 
quence was  that  General  Buckner  surrendered  thirteen  thousand 
men,  sixty-seven  guns,  and  twenty  thousand  stand  of  arms.  The 
enemy  lost  twelve  hundred  and  thirty-eight  in  killed  and  wounded : 
the  Unionists,  being  the  assaulting  party,  lost  nineteen  hundred  and 
eighty-one. 

6.  The  result  of  these  battles  was  that  the  enemy  evacuated  Bowl- 
ing Green  in  Kentucky,  and  Clarksville  and  Nashville  in  Tennessee^ 
and  dismantled  the  almost  impregnable  fortress  of  Columbus,  upon 
the  Mississippi,  retreating  further  so-uth.  Kentucky  was  now  clear 
of  organized  bands  of  the  enemy,  except  in  the  extreme  southwestern 
corner. 

7.  An  extraordinary  event  took  place  on  the  8th  of  March  in 
Hampton  Roads,  near  Norfolk,  Virginia.  The  enemy  had  converted 
the  United  States  frigate  Merrimac  into  an  iron-clad  ram.  This  for- 
midable vessel  came  out  of  Norfolk,  and  attacked  the  blockading  fleet, 
(lashing  her  iron  prow  into  their  wooden  sides,  and  throwing  off 
their  balls  from  her  mailed  sides  as  if  they  had  been  peas  or  marbles. 


3.  Describe  the  capture  of  Fort  Henry.  4,  5.  Describe  the  battle  and  surrender  of  Fort 
Donelson.  0.  What  was  the  result  of  these  battles? 


456  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


8.  By  nightfall,  the  Cumberland  had  gone  down,  with  all  on  board ; 
the  Congress  had  been  set  on  fire  and  forced  to  surrender ; the  Min- 
nesota was  run  aground,  and  was  apparently  destined  to  fall  an  easy 
prey  on  the  morrow.  But  during  the  night,  a small  steam  fioating 
battery,  called  the  Monitor,  described  by  the  enemy  as  looking  like  a 
cheese-box  upon  a raft,  arrived  from  New  York. 

9.  The  Merrimac,  in  attempting  to  renew  her  ravages,  on  the  9th, 
was  confronted  by  the  Monitor.  The  two  vessels  fought  for  hours  at 
point-blank  range,  the  Merrimac’s  eleven  guns  doing  no  damage,  and 
the  Monitor’s  two  but  little.  The  Merrimac  then  attempted  to  run 
the  Monitor  down,  but  without  success.  She  then  withdrew  from 
the  contest  and  returned  to  Norfolk.  She  remained  for  several 
months  a menace  to  the  Unionists,  but  never  fired  another  shot. 

10.  On  the  10th  of  this  month,  the  enemy,  who  had  remained  at 
Manassas  Junction,  constantly  threatening  Washington,  since  the 
battle  of  Bull  Run,  evacuated  that  place,  withdrawing  towards  Rich- 
mond. The  next  day  General  McClellan  resigned  the  general  con- 
trol of  all  the  armies,  and  cast  his  fortunes  with  the  now  moving 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  as  its  chief. 

11.  On  the  6th  and  7th  of  April,  a terrible  battle  was  fought  at 
Pittsburg  Landing,  or  Shi'-loh,  on  the  Tennessee  River.  The  battle 
was  desired  by  the  Unionists,  but  it  was  brought  on  by  the  enemy 
before  the  former  had  concentrated  their  forces.  These,  under 
General  Grant,  were  driven  to  the  river  with  great  loss,  and  were 
only  saved  from  rout  by  the  gunboats.  They  were  reinforced  during 
the  night  by  troops  under  General  Buell,  and  by  four  o’clock  the 
next  day  had  completely  defeated  the  enemy,  who  left  three  thousand 
dead  upon  the  field. 

12.  In  the  mean  time,  General  Pope  had  compelled  the  enemy  to 
evacuate  their  position  at  New  Madrid,  on  the  Mississippi,  and  the 
fieet  of  Commodore  Foote,  after  a bombardment  of  twenty-three 
days,  forced  the  surrender  of  seventy  guns  at  Island  No.  10.  General 
Pope  cut  otF  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  from  the  latter  place,  taking 
six  thousand  prisoners  and  ten  thousand  stand  of  arms.  Thus,  the 
opening  of  the  great  river  made  constant  progress  southward. 

13.  Fort  Pu-las'-ki,  on  the  Savannah  River,  surrendered  on  the  11th 
of  April,  after  a bombardment  of  thirty  hours  from  Tybee  Island, 


7,  S,  9.  Describe  the  combat  of  the  Monitor  and  Merrimac.  10.  What  took  place  at 
Manassas?  What  did  General  McClellan  do?  11.  Describe  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  12. 
What  of  the  operations  of  General  Pope  and  Commodore  Foote  upon  the  Mississippi? 
13.  Describe  the  reduction  of  Fort  Pulaski. 


THE  CAPTURE  OE  NEW  ORLEANS. 


457 


batteries  having  been  erected  there  by  Captain,  since  Major-General, 
Callmore.  Forty-seven  guns,  seven  thousand  shot  and  shell,  forty 
thousand  pounds  of  powder,  and  three  hundred  prisoners,  were  taken 
with  the  fort.  This  closed  the  harbor  of  Savannah  for  the  remainder 
of  the  war. 

14.  An  attack,  which  had  been  long  in  preparation,  was  made  on 
the  18th  of  April,  by  gunboats  and  vessels  of  war^under  Flag-Officer 
Farragut,  and  a mortar  fleet  under  Captain,  aftei-wards  Admiral, 
Porter,  upon  Forts  Jackson  and  St.  Philip,  commanding  the  passage 
from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  upon  the  Mis- 
sissippi River.  Farragut  bombarded  them  for  six  days,  and,  failing  to 
reduce  them,  resolved  to  run  his  principal  vessels  past  them. 

15.  A terrible  fight,  lasting  two  hours,  ensued : the  vessels,  after 
passing  the  forts,  were  assailed  by  the  enemy^s  fleet  of  rams,  fire-ships, 
floating  batteries  and  rafts,  sixteen  of  which  were  destro^^ed,  the 
Union  fleet  coming  to  anchor  within  twenty  miles  of  New  Orleans. 
The  enemy,  after  destroying  three  million  dollars  worth  of  property, 
surrendered  the  city,  which  was  taken  possession  of  by  a land  force 
under  General  Butler. 


CHAPTEE  CCXXY.  • 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Campaign 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. — The  8e:ven  Days. — The 
Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run. — The  Battle  of  Antietam. 

1.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  moved,  the 
greater  part  of  it  having  been  transported  by  water  from  Alexandria 
to  the  Peninsula,  as  the  best  approach  to  Richmond.  A considerable 
force  under  General  McDowell  had  been  stationed  at  Fred'-er-icks- 
burg,  between  Richmond  and  Washington,  to  prevent  any  sudden 
dash  by  the  enemy  upon  the  latter  place. 

2.  The  army  commenced  its  march  upon  Richmond  on  the  4th  of 
April,  and  was  soon  before  the  enemy’s  works  at  Yorktown.  A 
month  was  spent  in  digging  trenches  and  constructing  other  works 


14,  15.  Describe  the  attack  upon  Ports  Jackson  and  St.  Philip;  the  capture  of  New 
Orleans. 

Cfiap.  CCXXV. — 1.  What  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac?  A force  under  General 
McDowell?  2.  What  took  place  at  Yorktown  ? 

89 


458  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


of  approach ; on  the  4th  of  May,  when  everything  was  ready  for  the 
attack,  the  enemy  evacuated  the  place,  and  the  Union  forces  took  pos- 
session. 

3.  The  battle  of  WiK-liams-burg  was  fought  on  the  6th  of  May, 
General  Joseph  Johnston  being  in  command  of  the  enemy,  some 
thirty  thousand  strong.  Each  army  lost  about  three  thousand  men, 
the  Unionists  entering  the  town  at  the  end  of  the  struggle.  At  the 
close  of  the  month,  the  army,  after  a series  of  bloody  skirmishes, 
found  itself  partially  surrounding  Richmond,  at  an  average  distance 
of  five  or  six  miles. 

4.  The  terrible  battle  of  the  Chick-a-hom^-i-ny,  or  Fair  Oaks,  was 
fought  on  the  31st  of  May.  The  Union  advance,  which  had  been 
thrown  across  the  river,  was  attacked  with  great  impetuosity,  and 
but  for  the  arrival  of  reinforcements,  must  have  been  totally  destroyed. 
The  fight  continued  the  next  day  with  great  loss  to  both  sides,  both 
in  officers  and  men.  A change  of  plan  now  took  place  upon  the  Union 
side. 

5.  The  army  had  hitherto  drawn  its  supplies  from  the  Y^ork  and 
Pa-mun^-key  Rivers,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  peninsula  : raids  of 
the  enemy^s  cavalry  had  now  made  this  place  insecure,  and  General 
McClellan  determined  to  cross  the  peninsula  to  the  James,  and  open 
a new  communication  with  the  supply  fleet  there.  The  movement 
commenced  on  the  24th  of  June,  and  lasted  seven  days. 

• 6.  During  this^ terrible  week,  the  two  armies  were  in  constant  col- 
lision, and  battles  were  fought  bearing  the  following  names:  Oak 
Grove,  Me-char/-ics-ville,  Gaines^  Mill,  Peach  Orchard,  Savage’s 
Station,  White  Oak  Swamp,  and  Malvern  Hill.  The  Unionists  had 
lost  over  fifteen  thousand  men  when  they  arrived,  under  the  protec- 
tion of  the  James  River  gunboats,  at  Harrison’s  Landing. 

7.  The  enemy’s  army,  no  longer  required  for  the  defence  of  Rich- 
mond, immediately  began  a movemsent  against  Washington.  To 
oppose*  this,  the  Union  forces  at  Fredericksburg  under  McDowell, 
and  those  in  the  Shen-an-do'^-ah  Valley  under  Banks  and  Fremont, 
were  united  in  one  command  under  General  Pope.  The  army  thus 
collected  not  being  considered  sufficient  for  the  emergency,  General 
McClellan  was  ordered  to  evacuate  the  peninsula  and  send  forward 
his  men  to  Pope’s  relief. 

8.  Before  this  was  done,  however,  General  Pope  became  involved 


3.  The  battle  nf  Williamsburg?  Where  was  the  Union  army  at  the  close  of  May?  4. 
Describe  the  baMle  of  Fair  Oaks.  5.  What  of  a change  of  base?  The  execution  of  this 
movement?  6,  \\  hat  of  the  Seven  Days’  battles  ? The  losses?  7.  What  did  the  enemy’s 
army  now  do?  H’ hat  was  done  to  oppose  the  movement? 


THE  BATTLE  OF  A N T I E T A M. 


459 


in  a series  of  contests  which  ended  in  his  total  defeat.  He  fell  hack 
from  the  Rap-pa-han^-nock  River  on  the  23d  of  August,  and  on  the 
30th  a general  battle  was  fought  between  the  whole  army  of  the 
enemy  under  General  Lee  and  the  Union  forces  under  General  Pope. 
The  latter  were  defeated  with  great  loss,  and  fell  back  towards  Wash- 
ington to  Centreville.  This  is  called  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run. 

9.  The  enemy ^s  army,  unable  to  march  directly  upon  Washington, 
which  was  defended  by  an  impregnable  line  of  fortifications  upon  the 
Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac,  were  compelled  to  go  round  by  the 
Shenandoah  Valley  and  the  fords  of  the  upper  Potomac.  The  Union 
army,  once  more  under  McClellan,  was  placed  in  a position  to  intercept 
them. 

10.  The  two  forces  met  in  Maryland,  on  the  banks  of  a stream 
called  the  An-tie'^-tam.  A battle  was  fought  on  the  14th  of  Septem- 
ber at  South  Mountain,  in  which  the  enemy  were  defeated  : Ha,rper’s 
Ferry  was  taken  by  the  enemy  under  General  Jackson,  the  next  day, 
with  eleven  thousand  men  and  fifty  guns.  The  decisive  battle  of  the 
yearns  campaign  took  place  near  Sharpsburg,  Maryland,  dh  the  17th. 

11.  In  this  terrible  struggle  there  were  about  one  hundred  thou- 
sand men  engaged  on  either  side.  The  fight  raged  from  daylight 
until  dark,  each  army  losing  about  thirteen  thousand  men.  The 
enemy  retreated  during  the  night,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  19th 
there  was  no  enemy  in  arms  north  of  the  Potomac.  General  McClel- 
lan thought  it  unwise  to  pursue  them  in  their  retreat,  and  they 
withdrew  unmolested  into  Virginia.  This  contest  is  known  as  the 
Battle  of  Antietam. 


CHAPTER  CCXXVI. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued.— the 
West, — The  Battles  of  Frederichshurg,^  Chancellor sville,, 
and  Crettyshurg, — The  Surrender  of  Vicksburg  and^ 
Port  Hudson, — The  Battle  of  Chickamauga, — Siege 
and  Relief  of  Knoxville,  — Capture  of  Missionary 
Ridge, 

1.  In  the  mean  time,  operations  in  the  west  had  been  generally 
successful.  Commodore  FarraguUs  fleet,  passing  up  the  Mississippi, 


8.  Describe  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run.  9.  What  of  the  marches  of  the  two  armies  ? 
10.  Where  did  they  meet  ? The  battle  at  South  fountain?  What  occurred  at  Harper's 
Ferry?  11.  Describe  the  battle  of  Antietjim. 


460  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

received  the  surrender  of  Natchez  on  the  12th  of  May;  and  the  fleet 
of  Commodore  Davis,  who  had  succeeded  Commodore  Foote,  passing 
down  the  river,  and  defeating  the  enemy’s  vessels  attempting  to  oppose 
him,  compelled  the  surrender  of  Memphis  on  the  6th  of  June. 

2.  The  Union  forces,  under  General  Rosecrans,  obtained  a brilliant 
success  at  I-uMca,  in  Mississippi,  on  the  20th  of  September,  and  near 
Corinth,  on  the  4th  and  5th  of  October.  General  Buell  arrived  at 
Louisville,  Kentucky,  on  the  25th.  The  hostile  General  Bragg’s  pur- 
pose of  invading  Ohio  was  now  hopeless.  Bragg  issued  numerous 
proclamations  to  the  Kentuckians,  imploring  them  to  join  his  ranks; 
soon  afterwards,  managing  to  elude  General  Buell,  he* evacuated  the 
state,  marching  southward  into  Tennessee. 

3.  President  Lincoln,  dissatisfied  with  certain  acts  on  the  part  of 
General  McClellan,  relieved  him  of  the  command  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  early  in  November,  putting  General  Burnside  in  his  place. 
On  the  11th  of  December,  the  Union  artillery  bombarded  Fredericks- 
burg in  Virginia,  troops  crossing  the  Rappahannock  upon  pontoons 
under  coveiyof  their  fire.  An  assault  upon  the  rebel  works  was  made 
on  the  13th  and  was  signally  unsuccessful,  the  Unionists  losing  some 
twelve  thousand  men. 

4.  The  enemy  were  still  in  possession  of  the  Mississippi  River  from 
Vicksburg  on  the  north  to  Port  Hudson  on  the  south.  A Union 
army  under  General  W.  T.  Sherman  made  an  unavailing  attack  upon 
the  former  stronghold  late  in  December.  General  Rosecrans  won  a 
brilliant  victory  after  a four  days’  fight  at  Stone  River,  Tennessee: 
the  enemy  retreating  from  Mur^-frees-bo-ro',  and  the  Union  army 
occupying  it,  on  the  4th  of  January,  1863. 

5.  Genei'al  Hooker  succeeded  General  Burnside  in  the  command  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  on  the  24th,  the  army  remaining  inactive 
until  April.  Late  in  that  month  it  again  crossed  the  Rappahannock 
and  reached  Chan^-cell-ors-ville,  where  a sanguinary  and  disastrous 
battle  took  place,  the  Union  army  losing  eighteen  thousand  men,  but 
withdrawing  in  safety  to  the  north  bank  of  the  river. 

6.  Both  armies  remained  quiet  till  the  9th  of  June.  It  was  then 
discovered  that  the  enemy  under  Lee  were  moving  towards  the  fords 
of  the  Potomac,  with  the  evident  intention  of  attacking  Baltimore 


CnAP.  CCXXVT  — 1.  What  of  operations  in  the  west?  The  fleets  of  Farragut  anfl  Davis? 
2 Oj)erations  under  General  Rosecrans  ? The  marches  of  Rragg  and  Bnell  ? 3 What  of  a 
ihange  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac?  The  battle  of  Fredericksburg?  4 What  part  of 
the  Mississippi  was  still  in  the  enemy’s  possession  ? Wliat  of  an  attack  upon  Vicksburg  ? A 
lattle  at  Stone  River?  5.  Describe  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville.  6.  Wh.at  was  discovered 
in  .June  ? 


GETTYSBURG  AND  VICKSBURG.  461 

or  WasbingtoD.  General  Meade  was  ordered  to  take  command  of  the 
Union  army,  and  at  once  ordered  an  advance  into  Pennsylvania. 

7.  The  armies  met  at  Get^-tys-burg,  in  that  state,  and  here,  upon 
the  1st.  2d,  and  3d  of  July,  was  fought  a severe  and  decisive  battle. 
The  enemy  were  totally  defeated,  leaving  fourteen  thousand  prisoners 
and  twenty-five  thousand  small  arms  behind  them.  They  succeeded 
in  escaping  over  the  Potomac,  with  a total  less  of  about  thirty 
thousand  men.  The  battle-field  was  purchased  by  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania as  a national  cemetery  for  the  loyal  soldiers  who  fell  in  the 
struggle. 

8.  Another  success  of  the  most  brilliant  nature  occurred  at  about 
the  same  time.  General  Grant  had,  after  a campaign  of  great  bold- 
ness and  originality,  got  his  army  in  the  rear  of  Vicksburg;  and,  with 
the  help  of  Admiral  Porter^s  fleet,  completely  invested  it.  The  place 
surrendered  on  the  4th  of  July,  the  enemy  losing  in  the  entire  cam- 
paign over  forty  thousand  prisoners  and  300  guns. 

9.  Port  Hudson  surrendered  to  General  Banks  on  the  8th,  with 
seven  thousand  prisoners  and  fifty  guns.  The  Mississippi  was  now 
open  from  its  source  to  its  mouth,  and  the  confederacy  was  cut  into 
two  parts,  neither  of  them  capable  of  aiding  the  other.  These  great 
events  called  forth  the  most  enthusiastic  rejoicings  throughout  the 
loyal  states,  and  the  whole  world  recognised  in  General  Grant  a 
soldier  of  consummate  ability. 

10.  General  Bosccrans  was  still  at  Murfreesboro',  Tennessee,  in 
June  of  this  year:  the  enemy  were  south  of  him,  at  SheK-by-ville  and 
Tul-la-ho^-ma,  opposing  his  advance.  Bosecrans  commenced  a move- 
ment on  the  25th,  and  turned  the  enemy's  flank  so  successfully,  that 
Bragg,  the  enemy's  general,  fell  back  in  confusion  to  Bridgeport, 
Alabama,  and  afterwards  to  Chat-ta-noo^-ga,  in  East  Tennessee.  The 
Union  forces  entered  the  latter  place  on  the  9th  of  September. 

11.  General  Bosecrans  was  attacked  by  the  enemy,  at  Chick-a- 
mau'-ga,  on  the  19th,  and,  owing  to  a misapprehension  of  one  of  his 
orders,  the  enemy  gained  some  important  advantages,  and  the  day 
was  only  saved  by  the  arrival  of  General  Granger,  and  the  splendid 
valor  of  General  Thomas  and  his  men.  The  Union  loss  was  sixteen 
thousand,  and  the  progress  of  the  Union  army  southward  was  for  the 
present  stayed. 

12.  General  Bragg,  thinking  himself  able  to  spare  a division  of  his 


7.  Descril)e  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  8 The  surrender  of  Vicksburg  9 The  surren- 
der of  Port  Hudson.  What  was  the  effect  of  these  victories?  10.  Poscribe  the  operations 
by  which  the  Unien  army  got  possession  of  Chattanooga.  11.  Describe  the  battle  oi 
Chickamanga. 

39* 


462  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


nniiv,  sent  Longstreet  to  attack  Burnside  at  Knoxville,  in  East  Ten- 
nessee. Not  only  was  Longstreet  driven  ont  of  East  Tennessee,  but 
Bragg,  having  now  to  contend  with  General  Grant,  who  had  suc- 
ceeded Rosecrans,  lost  the  famous  range  of  heights  called  Missionary 
Ridge,  and  was  forced  far  down  into  the  fastnesses  of  Georgia. 

13.  On  the  1st  of  January  of  this  year.  President  Lincoln  had 
issued  the  state  paper  known  as  the  Emancipation  Proclamation. 
By  this  he  declared  the  slaves  in  the  rebellious  districts  free,  and 
called  upon  them  to  enlist  in  the  service  of  tlie  United  States.  This 
step  he  did  not  take  as  President,  but  as  Uommander-in-Chief  of  the 
army ; it  was  purely  an  act  of  war,  and  was  intended  to  weaken 
the  enemy.  Three  years  later  slavery,  was  legally  abolished  through- 
out the  land. 


OIIAPTEE  CCXXYII. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued. — General  Grant 
made  Lieutenant-General. — Campaign  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac. — The  Alabama  and  Kearsarge. 

1.  The  months  of  January  and  February,  1864,  were  not  lost  by 
the  Unionists.  Important  expeditions  were  set  on  foot,  with  a view  to 
prevent  the  enemy  from  executing  any  plans  he  might  have  formed. 
A large  body  of  men,  under  General  Sherman,  marched  from  Vicks- 
burg to  Meridian  and  back,  destroying  roads,  bridges,  and  stores, 
and  liberating  thousands  of  negroes.  Cavalry  raids  under  Kilpatrick, 
Ouster  and  Dahlgren,  did  great  damage  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond. 

2.  Congress  having  authorized  the  President  to  create  a Lieutenant- 
General,  this  title  was  conferred,  with  the  assent  of  the  whole  North, 
upon  General  Grant,  who  thus  became,  on  the  12th  of  March,  the 
General  commanding  the  armies  of  the  United  States.  He  imme- 
diately stationed  himself  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  then  in 
quarters  just  north  of  the  Rappahannock,  General  Sherman  being 
placed  in  command  of  the  army  at  Chattanooga.  The  attention  of  the 
entire  North  was  now  fixed  upon  these  two  bodies  of  men. 


12.  What  did  the  enemy’s  general  do  in  regard  to  Knoxville?  What  followed?  13.  What 
of  the  Emancipation  Proclamation?  What  was  its  object? 

Chap.  CCXXVII. — 1.  What  of  expeditions  during  the  early  winter?  What  of  General 
Grant  ? Wliat  command  did  he  take  ? General  Sherman  ? 


GRANT^S  VIRGINIA  CAMPAIGN. 


463 


3.  After  two  months^  preparation,  Grant^s  army,  on  the  3d  of  May, 
crossed  the  Rap-id-an^,  moving  towards  Chancellorsville  and  the 
Wilderness:  Lee^s  army  at  once  attacked,  and  in  a terrible  battle 
fought  upon  the  5th  and  6th,  each  side  lost  about  fifteen  thousand 
men.  The  enemy  withdrew  to  their  second  line  on  the  North  Anna 
River.  There  was  severe  fighting  on  the  8th  and  9th,  and  on  the  10th 
the  famous  battle  of  Spott-syl-va^-nia  occurred.  Each  side  lost  some 
ten  thousand  men,  the  enemy  again  hilling  back. 

4.  General  Butler,  at  Fortress  Monroe,  had  been  ordered  to  co- 
operate with  Grant.  He,  therefore,  at  the  time  of  Grant^s  first 
advance,  marched  the  army  of  the  James  northward,  and  seizing  upon 
Bermuda  Hundred,  on  the  western  bank  of  the  James,  intrenched 
himself  there.  He  attempted  to  cut  and  hold  the  railroad  between 
Petersburg  and  Richmond,  but,  though  at  first  successful,  was  sub- 
sequently foiled. 

5.  Grant  now  crossed  the  North  Anna,  compelling  the  enemy  to 
retreat  southward  again,  that  they  might  cover  Richmond.  On  the 
29th,  he  crossed  the  Pa-mun^-key,  the  two  armies  confronting  each 
other  from  Hanover  Court-House  to  Cold  Harbor.  A bloody  and 
unsuccessful  onslaught  was  made  here  by  Grant  on  the  3d  of  June; 
his  army  crossed  the  James,  to  the  south  of  Richmond,  on  the  14th. 
Assaults  on  the  works  defending  Petersburg  were  made  on  the  16th 
and  on  the  18th,  but  failed,  the  Union  loss  being  over  ten  thousand 
men. 

6.  Grant’s  attention  was  now  devoted  to  seizing  and  holding  the 
Weldon  Railroad,  an  important  line  of  supply  to  Petersburg  and 
Richmond  from  the  south.  It  was  several  times  cut  and  temporarily 
damaged  before  a permanent  lodgment  was  effected  in  August.  This 
was  followed  by  several  desperate  attempts  on  the  part  of  the  enemy 
to  regain  the  road,  in  which  their  losses  were  very  large,  and  those  of 
the  Unionists  comparatively  slight. 

7.  In  the  mean  time,  Lee  had  attempted  a diversion,  by  sending  an 
expedition  into  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  the  object  being  to  force 
Grant  to  relax  his  hold  upon  Richmond,  by  withdrawing  men  from 
his  armies  for  the  defence  of  Washington.  This  did  not  succeed:  the 
enemy  obtained  some  plunder,  and  burned  several  towns  and  villages, 
but  the  operations  against  their  stronghold  were  not  for  a moment 
suspended. 


3.  What  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac?  What  battles  were  fought?  4.  How  did  Gen- 
eral Butler  co-operate?  5.  What  rivers  did  General  Grant  now  cross?  What  of  a battle? 
What  now  took  place?  6.  To  what  did  Grant  now  devote  his  attention?  7.  What  of  a 
diversion  attempted  by  the  enemy? 


4Gi  IIISTOIIY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

8.  To  prevent  the  enemy  from  repeating  this  attempt  by  way  of 
the  Shenandoah  Valley,  a strong  force  was  posted  there  and  Gciieral 
Sheridan  placed  in  command.  A series  of  brilliant  victories  won  by 
him  over  General  Early  completely  annihilated  the  enemy  in  this 
quarter,  and  the  Valley  was  not  again  a point  of  interest  during  the 

9.  On  the  COih  of  July,  a mine  was  exploded  under  a portion  of  the 
Petersburg  fortihcations,  followed  by  .an  unsuccessful  assault  upon  the 
enemy^s  works,  involving  a Union  loss  of  four  thousand  men.  The 
army  remained  before  Petersburg  for  many  months,  preventing  Leo 
from  sending  assistance  to  points  which  sorely  needed  it,  and  thu:; 
contributing  to  the  brilliant  successes  of  the  Unionists  upon  other 
fields. 


SINKING  OF  THE  ALABAMA  BY  THE  KEARSARGE. 


10.  Two  splendid  naval  victories  were  won  this  year.  The  firsd 
occurred  as  follows: — The  enemy  had  obtained  a steamer  in  England, 
— built,  owned,  and  largely  manned  by  Englishmen,  though  com- 
manded by  Americans.  This  vessel,  the  Alabama,  sailed  about  the 


8.  What  of  the  Valley  of  the  Shenandoah?  9.  What  of  a mine  at  Petersburg?  How 
did  the  army  of  the  Potomac  contribute  to  successes  elsewhere? 


THE  KEARSARGE  AND  ALABAMA. 


465 


ocean,  capturing  and  burning  United  States  merchant  ships,  thus 
seeking  to  drive  American  commerce  from  the  seas.  The  United 
States  claimed  that  this  vessel  vras  English,  never  having  been  in  a 
Southern  port,  and  so  never  having  lost  her  character  as  an  English 
vessel. 

11.  On-the  19th  of  June,  the  Alabama  offered  battle  to  the  Ke^-ar- 
sarge,  a United  States  steam  sloop-of-war.  They  met  in  the  English 
Channel,  twelve  miles  from  the  coast  of  France,  and  although  the 
tAvo  ships  were  as  nearly  matched  as  they  could  be,  the  Alabama  was 
sunk  in  an  hour,  the  Kearsarge — her  sides  being  somewhat  protected 
by  chains — being  little  injured.  This  event  excited  the  liveliest 
gratification  in  the  loyal  states,  and  was  generally  lamented  by 
the  English — Avho  could  not  forget  that  the  Alabama,  though  only 
distinguished  for  its  destruction  of  unresisting  trading  ships,  had  been 
built  in  a British  port,  was  armed  with  British  guns,  and  manned 
principally  by  British  sailors. 

12.  The  other  victory  Avas  that  achieved  in  Mobile  Bay.  A large 
fleet,  under  Admiral  Farragut,  instead  of  attempting  to  reduce  the 
Avorks  defending  'the  entrance  to  the  bay  by  a bombardment,  boldly 
forced  the  passage,  thus  compelling  their  surrender.  In  this  action — 
perhaps  the  most  brilliant  upon  record — the  admiral  gave  his  orders 
from  the  main-top  of  the  Hartford,  where  he  was  lashed  fast,  commu- 
nicating with  the  quarter-deck  by  a speaking-tube.  This  and  his 
previous  escapes  from  the  midst  of  a terrible  fire,  obtained  for  him 
the  popular  name  of  the  Salamander. 


CHAPTEE  CCXXVIII. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued. — The  Campaigns 
of  Sherman^  s Army, — Capture  of  Atlanta. — The  Alar  eh 
to  the  Sea. — Capture  of  Savannah. — Destruction  of 
HooTs  Army  hy  General  Thomas, 

1.  It  has  been  said  that  General  Sherman  succeeded  General  Grant 
111  the  command  of  the  army  at  Chattanooga.  It  had  been  agreed 
between  these  two  officers  that  their  armies  should  move  at  the  same 
time;  and,  accordingly,  when  Grant  crossed  the  Rapidan,  early  in 


ICt  11.  Describe  the  action  between  the  Alabama  and  the  Kearsarge.  What  was  the 
Alabama?  12.  Describe  the  passage  of  the  forts  in  Mobile  Bay. 

20 


466 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


May,  Sherman  started  for  Atlanta.  He  carried  and  held  Dalton  on 
the  12th  of  May,  and  He-sa^-ca  on  the  15th : the  battle  of  Dallas  was 
fought  on  the  25th,  with  great  loss  to  the  enemy. 

2.  The  army,  thus  started  on  its  march,  never  stopped  except  to 
fight;  it  kept  on  through  Mar-i-et^-ta,  Al-la-too^-na  Pass,  Big  Shanty, 
and  through  the  Ken^-e-saw  range : the  enemy  under  Genei;iil  Joseph 
Johnston  delaying  their  progress  as  much  as  possible,  but  effecting 
little  more  than  delay.  On  the  16th  of  July  the  Union  army  com- 
pleted the  crossing  of  the  Chat-ta-hoo^-chie,  and  had  very  soon  invested 
Atlanta  on  three  sides. 

3.  In  the  mean  time.  General  Johnston  was  removed,  and  General 
Hood,  believed  to  be  a bolder  and  more  dashing  officer,  succeeded 
him.  He  at  once  commenced  throwing  his  army  upon  the  Union 
lines,  losing  twenty  thousand  men  in  three  days.  Sherman  now 
bombarded  Atlanta,  and,  failing  in  this,  on  the  30th  of  August  inter- 
posed his  whole  army  between  Atlanta  and  Hood\s  army,  intrenched 
to  the  south.  The  evacuation  of  the  enemy^s  stronghold  immediately 
followed. 

4.  Sherman^s  army,  now  established  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy^a 
territory,  was  fed  and  supplied  by  a single  line  of  railroad — that 
over  which  it  had  advanced,  and  which  it  had  repaired  as  it  marched. 
This  road  ran  through  mountain  passes,  along  narrow  defiles,  over 
innumerable  streams,  and  General  Hood  believed  that  it  would  be 
easy  to  cut  it,  and  hold  it  long  enough  to  starve  out  the  Union 
army  and  force  it  to  return  to  the  north,  abandoning  its  hardly  earned 
conquests. 

5.  He  therefore  marched  northward,  and,  at  certain  points,  did 
cut  and  hold  the  railroad  for  a time.  Sherman  pursued  him  for 
a while  till  Hood  arrived  within  a certain  distance  of  Ha^hville. 
where  tiiere  was  a strong  garrison,  and  numerous  outlying  detach- 
ments, sufficient,  if  united,  to  form  a powerful  army.  Leaving  Hood 
to  be  dealt  with  by  these  forces,  who  were  commanded  by  General 
Thomas.  Sherman  took  a step  which  drew  upon  him  the  eyes  of  the 
civilized  world. 

6.  He  returned  to  Atlanta,  concentrating  there  the  bulk  of  his 
army,  and,  his  preparations  at  length  completed,  marched — south- 
ward. People  almost  held  their  breath  when  they  heard  this  move- 


Chap.  CCXXVITI.— 1.  What  did  General  Sherman  do  in  May?  2.  Describe  the  march 
of  his  army.  3.  What  change  was  made  in  the  enemy’s  army  ? What  did  the  new  gen- 
eral do?  What  victory  was  now  won  by  Sherman?  4.  How  was  the  Union  army  at 
Atlanta  fed?  What  was  believed  by  General  Hood?  5.  State  what  the  two  generals  now 
did. 


SHERMAN’S  MARCH  TO  THE  SEA.  46T 

meut  was  contemplated.  No  one  knew  where  the  army  was  going; 
many  fancied  it  would  never  be  heard  of  again.  But  General  Grant, 
under  whose  orders  Sherman  was  acting,  believed  that  the  enemy^s 
confederacy  was  unable  to  make  much  further  resistance, 

7.  It  is  unnecessary,  in  tliis  book,  to  enter  into  the  details  of  Sher- 
man^s  march  to  the  sea.  His  army  lived  upon  the  country  through 
which  it  passed,  captured  capitals,  destroyed  railroads,  liberated 
slaves,  supplied  themselves  with  horses  and  mules,  and  threw  the 
whole  country  into  confusion, 

8.  In  December  they  approached  Savannah,  upon  the  Atlantic  coast. 
Fort  McAllister  defended  the  approach  to  the  city  from  the  sea  by 
certain  small  rivers  and  creeks,  and,  this  obstacle  removed,  Sherman 
could  open  a new  base  of  supplies  for  his  arm^^,  by  the  ocean.  The 
fort  was  taken  by  assault,  in  a very  spirited  action,  and  General  Sher- 
man was  able  soon  after  to  ask  the  president's  acceptance  of  the  city 
of  Savannah  as  a Christmas  present." 

9.  About  this  time,  General  Hood,  having  invested  Nashville  on  the 
south,  was  attacked  with  great  vigor  by  General  Thomas.  General 
Hood  was  utterly  routed,  being  compelled  to  fly  after  the  loss  of  all  his 
artillery,  half  his  army,  and  a part  of  his  train.  What  was  left  of 
his  army  never  again  assumed  the  offensive. 


CHAPTER  CCXXIX. 

Lincoln’s  Administration,  Continued.  — Sherman^  s 
March  Northward  f rom  Savannah, — Capture  of  Rich- 
mond and  Surrender  of  Lae  and  his  Army, — Surrender 
of  the  other  Armies  of  the  Rebellion, — Assassination  of 
Abraham  Lincoln, 

1.  In  the  mean  time,  Abraham  Lincoln  had  been  re-elected  presi- 
dent, and  Andrew  Johnson,  of  Tennessee,  formerly  a senator  from 
that  state,  and,  since  1862,  its  military  governor,  was  elected  vice- 
president.  The  enemy  fearing  that  four  years  more  of  war  and  ruin 
were  before  them,  unless  they  abandoned  their  purposes,  were  greatly 
discouraged  by  this  event. 


6,  7.  Describe  the  march  of  Sherman’s  army.  8.  What  took  place  at  Savannah  ? 9. 
What  occurred  between  Generals  Thomas  and  Hood? 

Chap.  CCXXIX, — 1.  Who  h.ad  ia  the  mean  time  been  elected  president  and  vice-presi- 
dent 1 What  was  the  effect  on  the  enemy  ? 


468 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


2.  General  Grant,  holding  the  enemy  at  Hichmond  as  in  a vice,  was 
evidently  waiting  for  Sherman’s  army  to  come  north  and  assist  him. 
The  North  therefore  looked  with  intense  anxiety  for  the  movement. 
This  was  soon  made.  Before  the  army  was  fully  furnished  with  its 
new  equipment,  the  march  through  South  Carolina  commenced.  The 
spring  thaws  and  freshets  had  flooded  the  country,  and  the  soldiers 
had  to  wade  and  swim  rather  than  march. 

3.  Encountering  difficulties  such  as  have  been  met  and  vanquished 
by  only  two  other  armies  in  the  world’s  history,  Sherman’s  army 
gained  the  high  lands,  and  thenceforward  the  men  walked  dry-shod. 
They  took  Columbia,  the  capital,  and  forced  the  evacuation  of  Charles- 
ton, though  never  within  one  hundred  miles  of  that  city.  On  they 
went,  crossing  at  length  the  North  Carolina  frontier. 

4.  The  most  magnificent  fleet  that  had  ever  been  sent  to  sea,  com- 
manded by  Admiral  Porter,  accompanied  by  a picked  land  force 
under  General  Terry,  was  now  assembling  olf  Fort  Fisher, — a very 
powerful  work  commanding  the  entrance  to  Cape  Fear  Kiver,  upon 
which,  some  miles  from  its  mouth,  was  the  city  of  Wilmington. 

5.  Fort  Fisher  fell,  after  one  of  the  most  tremendous  bombard- 

ments and  brilliant  assaults  on  record,  and  Wilmington  was  soon 
after  abandoned.  The  garrisons  relieved  by  these  surrenders — 
those  of  Savannah,  Charleston,  Wilmington — were  concentrated  in 
Sherman’s  path  under  General  Johnston,  who  had  been  superseded 
in  Georgia  by  Hood.  The  two  armies  confronted  each  other  near 

Ealeigh  in  North  Carolina,  but,  owing  to  events  that  had  in  the 

mean  time  occurred  elsewhere,  never  fought  a battle. 

6.  General  Grant,  seeing  that  the  hour  had  come  for  the  final  blow, 
set  the  armies  of  the  Potomac  and  the  James  in  motion,  in  March. 
The  brilliant  operations  of  the  Unionists  that  followed  are  soon  told. 
Petersburg  and  Kichmond  were  speedily  in  possession  of  Union  de- 
tachments, while  the  two  armies,  the  one  fleeing,  the  other  pursuing, 
rolled  oflf  to  the  west. 

7.  There  was  no  succor,  no  relief,  for  the  army  of  Lee ; there  were 

no  reinforcements,  there  was  absolutely  no  hope.  Pressed  on  all  sides, 
hemmed  in  by  forces  advancing  in  all  directions,  Lee  surrendered 

on  the  6th  of  April.  This  was  virtually  the  end  of  the  rebellion. 


2.  For  what  was  Grant  waiting?  With  what  had  Sherman’s  army  to  contend?  3. 
What  of  the  march?  4.  What  was  Fort  Fisher?  What  preparations  had  been  made  to 
attack  it?  5.  What  was  the  result ? What  opposition  did  Sherman  meet?  Where  did 
the  two  armies  meet  ? 6.  What  did  General  Grant  now  do  ? Petersburg  and  Richmond? 
T.  What  became  of  Lee  and  his  army?  Of  Johnston? 


CLOSE  or  THE  REBELLION. 


469 


for  Johnston  and  his  army  soon  afterwards  abandoned  the  contest 
upon  the  conditions  granted  to  Lee. 

8.  General  Taylor  east,  and  Kirby  Smith  west  of  the  Mississippi, 
surrendered  in  turn  upon  similar  terms,  and  the  country  passed  sud- 
denly from  a state  of  war  to  a state  of  profound  peace.  To  the  credit 
of  the  enemy,  it  must  be  said,  that  there  was  not  following  this  a 
single  day  of  guerrilla  or  irregular  warfare.  The  rejoicings  over  these 
auspicious  events  in  the  north  were  cut  short  by  a deed  as  startling  as 
it  was  atrocious. 

9.  Abraham  Lincoln  was  assassinated,  at  a theatre  in  Washington, 
on  the  night  of  the  14th  of  April.  The  shot  was  fired  by  one  of  a 
gang  of  conspirators  whose  scheme  was  to  deprive  the  country  of  its 
government,  by  killing  all  its  principal  members,  and  thus  enable 
the  rebellion  to  succeed.  The  Secretary  of  State  was  stabbed  and 
wounded  in  several  places  by  one  of  the  party,  and  General  Grant, 
the  Secretary  of  War,  and  the  Vice-President  narrowly  escaped;  the 
President  alone  fell  a victim  to  the  plot.  The  assassin  was  tracked 
and  killed ; four  of  his  accomplices  were  soon  afterwards  hung,  and 
four  others  were  sentenced  to  various  terms  of  imprisonment., 

10.  In  spite  of  this  terrible  event,  the  action  of  the  government  was 
not  disturbed  or  for  an  instant  suspended.  Andrew  Johnson  took 
the  oath  of  office  as  president  a few  hours  after  Mr.  Lincoln  expired, 
and  as  far  as  official  and  public  matters  were  concerned,  every  thing 
went  on  as  before.  The  nations  of  Europe,  which  had  looked  upon 
the  suppression  of  the  rebellion  as  a proof  of  the  strength  of  the 
republican  form  of  government,  regarded  the  tranquil  accession  of  a 
vice-president  to  power,  under  the  circumstances,  as  a still  more 
convincing  one.- 

11.  Abraham  Lincoln  was  greatly  loved  by  the  people.  His  loss 
was  lamented  not  only  in  America,  but  throughout  the  civilized 
world.  For  a time,  all  local  differences,  all  national  jealousies,  were 
hushed  in  presence  of  the  great  calamity;  and  Abraham  Lincoln 
passed  into  history  acknowledged  by  friend  and  foe  a statesman, 
patriot,  and  martyr. 


8.  Of  other  generals?  9.  What  terrible  event  now  occurred  ? Describe  the  deed. 
What  was  the  plan  of  the  conspirators?  Their  fate?  10.  How  did  the  government  go 
.1.  How  was  this  looked  upon  by  European  nations  ? 11.  What  further  oi  Abraham 
Lincoln?  What  character  will  he  bear  in  history  ? 

40 


470  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTEE  CCXXX. 

Lincoln’s  Admhstisteation,  Concluded. — The  Finances 
of  the  Union. — Greenbachs. — Taxation. — Volunteering. 
— Drafting. — Government  Loans. — Andrew  Johnson. 

1.  The  annual  expenses  of  the  government  before  the  war  had  been 
less  than  a hundred  millions  of  dollars ; they  were  now  perhaps  two 
millions  a day.  There  were  three  methods  of  obtaining  the  neces- 
sary sums : first,  by  taxation  ; second,  by  borrowing ; third,  by  an 
issue  of  treasury  notes,  or  government  hank  bills,  these  being  declared 
money  by  law. 

2.  As  the  people  were  unused  to  heavy  taxation,  it  was  thought 
best  not  to  resort  to  it  suddenly ; and  as  the  credit  of  the  government 
had  been  much  impaired  during  Mr.  Buchanan’s  administration,  it 
Avas  not  believed  that  borrowing  could  be  relied  on  for  all  the  needs 
of  the  country.  Five  hundred  millions  of  treasury  notes  were  there- 
fore printed,  and  with  these,  which,  from  their  color,  soon  received 
the  popular  name  of  greenbacks,  the  government  for  some  time  paid 
its  debts. 

3.  By-and-hy  the  people  were  taxed,  and  taxation  was  not  only 
willingly  submitted  to,  hut  had  been  clamored  for  before  Congress 
had  dared  to  resort  to  it.  The  taxes  of  the  class  denominated  inter- 
nal revenue,  yielded  two  hundred  millions  in  the  last  year  of  the  war. 
As  the  credit  of  the  government  rose,  and  when  its  promises  to  pay 
had  become  worth  their  face  in  the  open  market,  that  is,  could  be 
sold  at  par,  borrowing  was  largely  resorted  to.  In  three  years,  the 
people  lent  the  government  two  thousand  millions  of  dollars,  at 
various  rates  of  interest. 

4.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  war,  men  joined  the  army  without 
any  pecuniary  inducement ; afterwards,  those  who  volunteered  re- 
ceived bounties  from  their  states  or  counties,  and  their  families  received 
assistance  from  the  same  sources.  Still  later,  a draft,  by  lot,  was 
ordered  in  all  the  northern  states  which  had  not  furnished  their 
quota. 


Chap.  CCXXX. — 1.  What  three  methods  were  there  of  raising  money?  2.  What  objec- 
tions were  there  to  two  of  them  ? What  method  was  chosen  ? What  were  the  government 
notes  called?  3.  What  of  taxation?  Of  the  sale  of  government  bonds?  4.  What  of 
volunteering  ? Of  bounty  money  ? Of  drafts  ? 


EUROPEAN  HOSTILITY, 


471 


5.  Some  of  the  more  important  nations  of  Europe  desired  the  rebel- 
lion to  succeed — that  is,  their  governments  and  governing  classes 
desired  it.  The  reason  is  obvious  i they  were  loath  to  see  a republic 
come  out  victorious  from  a struggle  in  which,  they  all  confessed,  a 
monarchy  must  succumb.  England,  too,  was  anxious  that  her  great 
commercial  rival  should  fall  asunder  and  waste  its  energies  in  intes- 
tine warfare. 


PRESIDENT  JOHNSON. 


6-  Andrew  Johnson  was  inaugurated  president  on  the  15th  of 
April,  and  at  once  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office.  He  retained 
the  old  cabinet,  and,  in  several  speeches,  made  soon  after  his  acces- 
sion, led  the  people  to  believe  that  he  was  not  unworthy  to  occupy 
the  seat  which  he  had  attained,  though  he  had  not  been  directly 
elected  to  it. 


5.  With  which  side  did  European  nations  sympathize  in  the  rebellion?  Give  the 
reasons  for  this,  6.  Under  what  ciroum'stances  did  the  new  president  enter  upon  his 
duties  ? 


472 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXI. 

The  Indian  Territory. — General  View  of  the  Indians  of 
North  America^  the  West  Indies  and  South  America, 

1.  In  the  preceding  history  of  the  occupation  and  settlement  of 
tiis  country  by  the  White  Kaces,  we  have  seen  the  gradual  disap- 
pearance of  the  various  Indian  tribes  which  constituted  its  first  inhab- 
itants. The  greater  part  of  them,  the  tribes  which  inhabited  the 
regions  bordering  on  the  Atlantic,  are  utterly  extinct.  The  PenobscotHt 
Paiituchets^  Pequods^  Pokanohets^  Pfarragansets^  Mohicans,  Nip- 
muclcs^  so  troublesome  to  the  NTew  England  settlers,  are  gone,  and 
the  places  which  once  knew  them,  shall  know  them  no  more  forever. 

2.  Of  the  Six  Nations  of  New  York  and  Canada,  once  so  powerful — 
only  a few  vestiges  remain.  The  tribes  of  Virginia  have  perished,  and 
those  great  hands,  which  had  the  title  of  nations — the  Greeks^  Choctaws^ 
Chichasaws  and  CheroJcees^  have  left  their  original  haunts,  and  are 
gradually  losing  their  native  characteristics,  under  the  influence  of 
civilization,  in  the  plains  and  prairies  of  the  Far  West. 

3.  This  region,  called  the  Indian  Territory^  lying  between  Kansas 
on  the  north,  and  Texas  on  the  south,  is  about  four  hundred  miles 
long  from  north  to  south,  and  three  hundred  miles  from  east  to  west, 
and  contains  sixty-eight  thousand  square  miles.  It  was  set  apart  by 
our  government  as  the  permanent  residence  of  the  Indian  tribes  trans- 
ported from  the  more  eastern  settled  states.  The  whole  number  of 
inhabitants  is  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand,  the  most 
numerous  tribes  being  the  Cherokees,  Creeks,  Choctaws,  Osages,  and 
Seminoles. 

4.  These,  occupying  various  designated  portions  of  the  territory, 
are  not  allowed  to  interfere  with  each  other’s  grounds  or  grants.  They 
have  each  their  own  laws,  and  are  regarded  as  distinct  nations.  The 
Choctaws whom  the  Ohickasaws  have  become  mixed,  have  a 
written  constitution  and  laws,  with  executive  and  judicial  officers, 
schools,  churches,  and  printing-offices.  Agriculture  is  their  chief  em- 
ployment. 

5.  The  Creeks  and  Cherokees  have  also  made  considerable  advances 


Chap.  CCXXXI.— 1.  What  have  we  seen  in  the  preceding  history?  What  are  some  of 
the  Indian  tribes  that  have  become  extinct?  2.  What  of  the  Six  Nations?  Of  other 
tribes  ? 3.  Situation  of  the  Indian  Territory  ? Its  extent  ? For  what  purpose  has  it  been 

set  apart  ? Names  of  the  principal  Indian  tribes  in  the  Indian  Territory  ? What  regular 
tions  are  imposed  on  the  Indians  in  the  Indian  Territory  ? What  of  the  Choctaws  ? 


THE  INDIAN  TERRITORY. 


473 


m civilization,  especially  the  latter.  The  other  transported  tribes,  as 
the  Seminoles^  Senecas^  Sliawanese^  Oneidas^  Quapaws^  Tuscaroras^ 
Delawares  and  Kichapoos^  are  also  improving,  under  the  efforts  of 
missionaries  and  schoolmasters.  The  native  tribes,  as  the  OmaJias^ 
Otoes^  Missouris^  Pancas^  Pawnees^  and  others,  are  in  a more  savage 
state.  Many  of  them  still  live  chiefly  by  robbery  and  hunting.  The 
pursuit  of  the  buffalo  is  one  of  their  leading  occupations. 

6.  Beside  these  tribes  confined  to  the  Indian  Territory,  there  are 
considerable  bands  of  Blachfeet^  Assiniboins^  GMppewas^  Sacs  and 
Foxes^  in  our  north-western  wilds,  which  still  in  a great  degree  pre- 
serve their  native  habits,  living  by  hunting,  fishing  and  war  upon  each 
other.  The  Indians  of  Oregon  and  California,  as  well  as  of  the  terri- 
tories of  Washington,  Idaho,  Montana,  Utah,  and  New  Mexico,  are 
also  in  a savage  state,  though  the  tribes  are  small  and  scattered. 

7.  Tlie  Gomanclies  are  a large  tribe,  occupying  northern  Texas  and 
the  vicinity.  They  have  abundance  of  horses,  and  bear  a considerable 
resemblance  in  their  habits  and  manners  to  the  roving  Bedouins  of 
the  Eastern  Continent.  They  are  swift  and  skilful  riders,  hurl  the 
spear  with  dexterity,  and  often  make  destructive  attacks  upon  trav- 
ellers in  the  regions  over  which  they  roam.  The  Apaches  are  a power- 
ful  tribe,  resembling  the  Comanches,  and  occupying  the  central  portion 
of  Arizona. 

8.  Such  has  been  the  course  of  events  as  to  the  Indians  within  the 
boundaries  of  the  United  States.  Probably  their  number  is  not  one 
quarter  what  it  was  at  tlie  time  of  the  discovery  of  this  country. 

9.  In  Mexico  the  Indians  were  conquered,  but  not  driven  out  by  their 
conquerors ; though  somewhat  reduced  in  numbers,  they  have  remained, 
and  have  mingled,  to  a considerable  extent,  with  the  blood  of  their 
conquerors.  For  the  most  part  they  are  ignorant,  superstitious,  and 
degraded,  submitting  slavishly  to  the  domination  of  the  white  race. 

10.  In  the  West  Indies,  originally  peopled  with  perhaps  a million  of 
inhabitants,  they  have  become  extinct.  In  most  parts  of  South  Amer- 
ica, their  condition  is  nearly  the  same  as  in  Mexico,  though  in  the 
unsettled  portions  there  are  still  numerous  bands  in  a savage  state. 
Probably  the  Indiai^  of  South  America  are  one-half  as  numerous  as 
at  the  time  the  country  was  discovered. 


5.  Of  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees?  Other  transported  tribes?  What  of  the  native  tribes? 

6.  What  of  tribes  in  the  north-western  wilds  ? What  of  tribes  in  Oregon,  California  etc.  T 

7.  What  of  the  Comanches?  The  Apaches?  8.  What  is  the  probable  number  of  the  Indian" 
of  the  United  States,  compared  with  their  original  number?  9.  What  of  the  Indians  o* 
Mexico?  10.  What  of  the  Indians  of  the  West  Indies?  Of  South  America? 

40* 


OIorLlVest  frcfni  GTecTOvich 


STATISTICS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


475 


CAPITOL  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES  AT  WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXII. 

General  Views, 

1.  We  have  now  closed  our  brief  view  of  the  leading  political  inci- 
dents in  the  history  of  the  United  States.  We  began  with  the  first 
settlement  at  Jamestown  in  1607.  AVe  close  with  a tabular  view’-, 
which  exhibits  the  country  now  (1866)  as  embracing  thirty-six 
states,  a territory  of  over  three  millions  of  square  miles,  and  more 
than  thirty  millions  of  inhabitants. 

2.  We  have  given  a detail  of  the  principal  events  which  have  at> 
tended  this  astonishing  progress.  We  have  sketched  the  early  days, 
in  which  we  have  seen  the  feeble  colonies  striking  root  in  a strange 
country,  and  after  contending  with  hostile  tribes  of  savage  men, 
triumphing  at  last  over  the  still  more  fatal  obstacles  of  poverty,  disease 
and  climate. 

3.  We  have  seen  the  Thirteen  United  Colonies,  with  about  three 
millions  of  inhabitants,  throwing  olf  their  allegiance  to  Great  Britain, 


Chap.  CCXXXII. — 1.  What  of  the  settlement  at  Jamestown?  How  long  from  that  time, 
to  this  ? 2.  What  have  we  seen  in  the  preceding  history  ? The  teacher  will  here  ^ut  such 
questions  on  the  table  at  page  47  5,  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 


GENERAL  VIEWS. 


477 


and  after  a bloody  and  cruel  struggle  of  eight  years,  successfully 
maintaining  their  independence,  and  taking  their  rank  among  the  na- 
tions of  the  civilized  world. 

4.  We  have  seen  the  United  States  engaged  in  a second  struggle 
with  Great  Britain,  and  coming  out  of  the  contest  with  honor.  We  have 
seen  our  government  tried  by  factions,  rebellion,  and  insurrection — by 
internal  commotion  and  external  war — by  the  strife  of  party,  the 
vicissitudes  of  prosperity  and  adversity,  and  we  have  seen  it  come 
strengthened  and  established  from  these  threatening  evils. 

5.  Under  the  benign  influence  of  liberty,  guaranteed  to  us  by  our 
government,  we  have  seen  our  country  advancing  with  unparalleled 
rapidity  in  the  march  of  civilization.  We  have  seen  the  arts  spring 
up,  as  if  developed  by  powers  of  enchantment.  We  have  seen  innu- 
merable inventions,  ingenious  and  useful,  brought  to  light.  We  have 
seen  manufactures,  of  vast  extent  and  wonderful  ingenuity,  spread 
over  our  land. 

6.  We  have  seen  the  very  elements  fire,  air,  and  water,  chained  to 
the  car  of  human  art,  and  made  subservient,  in  a thousand  forms,  to 
the  comfort,  convenience,  and  luxury  of  society.  We  have  seen,  amid 
all  this,  that  religion  has  acquired  additional  force  over  the  minds  of 
men — that  the  standard  of  morality  is  elevated — that  the  means  of 
education  are  diffused,  and  a higher  value  set  upon  its  benefits. 

7.  We  have  seen  our  country,  when  convulsed  by  a mighty  re- 
bellion, put  forth  a power  to  suppress  it,  such  as  no  other  country 
could,  by  the  avowal  of  all,  have  exerted.  We  have  seen  that  the 
love  of  the  people  for  the  land  of  their  birth,  and  for  the  form  of 
government  under  which  they  have  so  greatly  prospered,  is  strong 
enough  to  induce  them  to  make  any  sacrifice,  rather  than  see  the  one 
divided,  or  the  other  put  in  peril. 

8.  As  members  of  a nation  thus  blessed  of  Heaven,  let  us  cherish . 
the  sentiment  of  love  to  our  country,  and  a feeling  of  profound  grati- 
tude for  all  .that  has  been  done  to  exalt  our  native  land ! 


3.  What  have  we  seen  as  to  the  Thirteen  Colonies  ? 4.  What  of  the  second  war  with 

Great  Britain  ? What  of  our  government?  5,  6.  What  of  our  country  as  to  civilization?^ 
What  of  the  domestic  arts?  Beligion,  education,  and  morality?  7.  What  of  our  country 
when  threatened  with  rebellion  ? What  of  the  sacrifices  the  people  ? 8.  What  ought 

we  as  residents  of  a country  thus  blessed,  to  do? 

The  teacher  may  here  also  direct  the  attention  of  the  yupi  to  page  422,  giving  a view 
of  the  progress  of  the  Unitd  States,  ami  put  such  questions  as  he  dee-ns  proper. 


478 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


QUEBEC. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXIII. 

NORTHERN  PARTS  OP  NORTH  AMERICA. 

British  Possessions  in  North  America. — Nova  Scotia 
Neio  iBritnswicJc^  Canada^  etc. 

1.  As  we  liave  now  completed  our  view  of  the  United  States,  we 
proceed  to  give  brief  notices  of  other  parts  of  the  American  continent. 

2.  British  America,  equal  in  extent  to  the  United  States,  occupies 
nearly  the  whole  of  that  part  of  North  America  which  lies  north  of 
our  own  country,  and  stretches  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean. 
The  political  divisions  are  Nova  Scotia,  Prince  Edward  Island,  Cape 
^Breton  Island,  New  Brunswick,  Newfoundland,  Labrador,  the  Canadas, 
’New  Britain,  Vancouver  Island,  and  British  Columbia. 

3.  Nova  Scotia  Avas  seen  by  John  Cabot,  in  1497,  and  was  the  first 
land  discovered  on  the  continent  of  America.  It  was  originally  settled 
by  the  French,  and  called  x\cadia,  but,  after  changing  hands  several 
times,  it  became  the  permanent  possession  of  Great  Britain.  New 

Chap.  CCXXXIII.— 2.  Extent  of  Eritish  America?  The  divissions  of  British  .America? 


NORTHERN  PORTION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA.  .j79 

Brunswick  was  separated  from  it,  and  became  a distinct  province,  in 
1784. 

4.  The  French  appear  to  have  been  the  first  to  turn  to  account  the 
discoveries  of  Cabot.  Early  in  the  sixteenth  century,  several  French 
vessels  sailed  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  and  various  attempts  at 
colonization,  in  this  quarter,  were  afterward  made.  In  1608,  the 
city  of  Quebec — renowned  in  the  history  of  these  regions — was  founded, 
and  thus  the  first  permanent  settlement  in  Canada  was  formed. 

5.  We  have  already  stated  that  all  the  French  possessions  in  this 
quarter  were  confirmed  to  the  British  by  the  peace  of  1763.  In  1791, 
Canada  was  divided  into  Upper  and  Lower  Canada,  but  in  1840  they 
were  again  united  as  one  province,  though  bearing  th-e  titles  of  Canada 
East  and  Canada  West.  The  present  capital,  established  in  1858,  is 
Ottawa,  a flourishing  village  at  the  junction  of  the  Ottawa  Hiver  and 
the  Hideau  Canal. 

6.  At  various  periods  Canada  has  been  the  theatre  of  important 
military  events.  This  was  especially  the  case  during  the  French  and 
Indian  war,  the  war  of  the  American  Kevolution,  and  the  war  with 
Great  Britain,  from  1812  to  1815.  We  have  already  given  sufficient 
accounts  of  these  proceedings. 

(.  In  1837,  an  insurrection  broke  out  in  Canada,  as  we  have  else- 
where stated,  the  object  of  which  was  to  throw  off  the  British  yoke, 
and  establish  the  independence  of  the  country.  The  movement  was, 
however,  speedily  checked,  and  most  of  the  leaders  escaped  by  flight. 

8.  Hudson  Bay  was  discovered  by  Cabot,  in  1512.  For  many  years 
the  French  carried  on  a cotislderab’e  fur  trade  with  the  countries 
lying  to  the  westward  of  this  bay.  In  1670,  the  Hudson  Bay  Com- 
pany was  established,  and  soon  rose  to  prosperity.  It  has  now  several 
stations,  some  on  Hudson  Bay,  others  on  the  coast  of  Labrador,  and 
others  still  farther  to  the  north  and  west.  The  most  numerous  esta- 
blishments are  in  the  vicinity  of  James  Bay.  The  acquisition  of  furs 
is  the  chief  object  of  these  settlers. 

9.  The  settlement  on  Vancouver  Island  and  on  the  continent  con- 
tiguous thereto  has  recently  become  of  importance.  A large  number 
of  persons  there  are  devoted  to  the  acquisition  of  furs,  and  others, 
latterly,  to  agriculture.  There  is  also  a considerable  population  in 
the  vicinity  of  Frazer  River,  where  rich  gold  mines  have  lately  been 
discovered. 


3.  What  of  Nova  Scotia?  New  Brunswick?  4.  What  of  the  French?  When  w'as 
Quebec  founded?  5.  What  of  Canada?  6.  Of  what  important  events  has  Canada  been  the 
theatre?  7.  What  of  the  insurrection  in  Canada?  8.  What  of  the  discovery  of  Hudson 
Bay?  What  of  the  Hudson  Bay  Company?  9.  What  of  the  inhabitants  of  Vancouver  Island 
and  the  vicinity? 


480 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


DISCOVERYOF  A BOAT  AND  OTHER  REMAINS  OF  SOME  OF  SIR  JOHN  FRANKLIN’S  MEN. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXIV. 

The  Polak  Regions.- — The  Esquimaux*^  Greenland;  llm- 
sian  America, 

1.  The  Esquimaux. — To  the  north  of  the  British  settlements  are 
bands  of  Indians,  of  short  stature  and  squalid  appearance,  wlio  pass 
under  the  general  name  of  Esquimaux.  They  live  chiefly  by  Ashing, 
and  in  winter  ride  over  the  frozen  snows  in  sledges  drawn  by  dogs. 
They  have  no  records,  and  afford  us  no  history.  They  resemble 
the  Samoiedes  of  the  Eastern  Continent,  and  are  doubtless  of  the  same 
stock. 

2.  Greenland. — Still  further  to  the  north  is  Greenland^  formerly  es- 
teemed a part  of  the  American  continent,  but  now  ascertained  to  be 
an  island.  It  was  discovered,  in  981,  by  an  Icelander,  and  was  soon 
after  colonized  on  the  eastern  coast  by  a number  of  families  from  Ice> 
land.  The  colony  increased  rapidly,  but  after  a short  space,  it  disap- 
peared from  the  pages  of  history,  and  no  trace  of  the  inhabitants  has 
since  been  found. 

3.  Green'-land  was  rediscovered  by  Davis,  in  1585,  and  in  1721,  a 
colony  was  established  on  the  western  coast  by  a i^orwegian  clergy- 
man, named  Hans  Egede.  This  settlement,  though  small,  still  exists, 


Chap.  CCXXXIV. — 1.  What  of  the  Esquimaux  ? 2 What  of  Greenland?  3.  When  waa 
Greenland  rediscovered  ? What  of  Hans  Egede  ? What  of  the  Greenland  seas  ? 


THE  POLAR  REGIONS. 


481 


and  is  subject  to  the  Danish  government.  The  seas  in  the  vicinity  of 
Greenland  have  long  been  resorted  to  by  ships  in  search  of  whales, 
and  here  many  strange  adventures  have  taken  place  in  the  pursuit  of 
these  monsters  of  the  deep. 

4.  Russian  America. — This  comprises  the  entire  north-western 
corner  of  NTorth  America.  It  is  a cold,  rugged  region,  chiefly  inhabited 
by  bands  of  Esquimaux  and  tribes  of  other  Indians.  These  sell  their 
furs,  which  they  collect,  to  the  Russians,  who  have  several  trading 
stations  on  the  coast,  the  principal  of  which  is  Hew  Archangel,  on 
tlie  island  of  Sit'-ka. 

5.  This  region  was  discovered  in  1741,  by  the  celebrated  Vitus 
Behring,  a Dane  in  the  service  of  the  Russians,  the  discoverer  of  the 
strait  which  bears  his  name  and  separates  America  from  Asia.  Upon 
this  discovery  the  claim  of  Russia  to  her  North  American  possessions 
is  founded.  Sitka  was  first  settled  in  1799. 

6.  The  chief  interest  which  attaches  to  the  Polar  Regions,  con- 
sists in  the  various  voyages  which  have  been  undertaken  to  discover 
a north-west  passage  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  No  tales  of 
adventure  and  daring  can  exceed  those  of  the  many  navigators  who 
have  attempted  to  make  this  discovery. 

7.  In  modern  times.  Parry,  Ross,  Back  and  Franklin,  as  well  as 
the  Americans,  De  Haven  and  Kane,  have  penetrated  into  this  deso- 
late region  of  snow,  ice,  and  tempest,  and  have  given  us  vivid  pictures 
of  the  frozen  seas  and  bays  of  the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  its  inhospitable 
shores.  In  May,  1845,  as  we  have  elsewhere  stated.  Captain  Franklin, 
v/ho  had  become  a veteran  in  this  service,  was  dispatched  with  two 
ships,  the  Erebus  and  Terror,  to  make  one  more  attempt  to  settle  the 
doubtful  question. 

8.  Several  years  passed,  and  nothing  was  heard  from  the  expedition. 
From  that  time  numerous  ships  have  been  sent  in  search  of  the  lost 
adventurers,  but  all  without  avail,  till  1859,  when  the  steamer  Fox, 
dispatched  by  Lady  Franklin,  made  the  melancholy  discovery,  that 
Sir  John  Franklin  died  June  11,  1847,  and  in  1848  the  Erebus  and 
Terror  were  abandoned  in  the  ice. 

9.  The  survivors  of  the  expedition,  one  hundred  and  five  in  number, 
died  one  by  one,  from  cold  and  exhaustion ; a boat  and  several  of  the 
skeletons,  and  quantities  of  clothing  \vere  found  on  the  north-west 
coast  of  King  William  Island,  which  appears  to  have  been  their 
tomb. 


4.  What  of  Russian  America?  5.  What  of  Vitus  Behring?  Upon  what  does  Russia 
found  her  claims  to  her  North  American  possessions?  6,  On  what  is  the  chief  interest 
attached  to  the  Polar  regions  founded  ? 7.  What  of  modern  discoveries  ? What  of  Cap' 
‘<iin  Franklin ? 8.  What  of  the  expeditions  to  discover  the  fate  of  Sir  John  Franklin? 
What  of  the  steamer  Fox  ? 9.  What  of  the  survivors  of  Franklin’s  expedition? 

41 


482 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


SCENK  IN  THE  WEST  INDIES. 


CHAPTER  COXXXV, 

THE  WEST  INDIES. 

- St,  Salvador^  Cuba^  Hayti,^  Porto  Rico^  etc, 

1.  St.  Sal-7a-dor^,  the  land  first  discovered  by  Columbus,  and  now 
called  Gat  Island,^  was  one  of  a numerous  group  called  the  Bahamas- 
These  belong  to  the  English  government,  and  have  been,  in  former* 
times,  subject  to  acts  of  violence  and  pillage  from  pirates,  who  particm 
larly  infested  these  regions  somewhat  more  than  a century  ago.  The 
history  of  these  islands  presents  nothing  of  peculiar  interest  or  im- 
portance. 

2.  Cuba  was  discovered  by  Columbus  in  1492.  It  is  the  largest 
of  the  West  India  Islands;  and,  possessing  a charming  climate,  with 
a prolific  soil,  it  is  one  of  the  finest  islands  ixi  the  world.  The  Indians, 
who  were  numerous,  were  conquered,  in  1511,  by  Ye-las'-quez,  a Spanish 
general,  and  the  island  was  rapidly  settled  by  the  Spaniards. 

3.  Under  the  cruelties  of  these  new  possessors,  the  aboriginee  were 
speedily  exterminated,  and  Spain  has  continued  in  quiet  possession  of 

Chap.  CCXXXV. — 1.  What  of  St.  Salvador  ? To  what  groiii>  does  it  belong?  What 
of  the  Baliatnas?  2.  When  was  Cuba  discovered  by  Columbus?  What  of  its  soil  and 
climate  ? When  and  by  whom  wiuv  the  Indians  of  ('iiba  conquered?  8.  What  has  been  iU 
history? 


THE  WEST  INDIES. 


483 


the  island  for  more  than  three  hundred  years,  excepting  that  it  was 
captured  by  the  British  in  1762,  being,  however,  soon  relinquished. 

4.  Uay'-ti^  called  Hu-im-ni-o' -la  by  Columbus,  was  discovered  by  that 
voyager  soon  after  he  had  visited  Cuba.  The  present  town  of  St 
Do-min'-go  was  founded  by  him,  in  1496,  and  is,  therefore,  the  oldest 
town  in  this  Western  World.  This  island,  called  St,  Domingo  by  the 
French,  was  divided  between  France  and  Spain  in  1722,  but  in  1789 
a revolution  broke  out,  and  both  the  Spaniards  and  French  were 
eventually  driven  out  by  the  negroes.  The  latter  declared  themselve* 
independent  in  1809,  and  under  various  leaders,  and  with  repeated 
wars  and  revolutions,  have  since  maintained  themselves  in  that  con- 
dition. 

5.  Por-to  Ri'-co,^  a beautiful  and  populous  island  at  the  time  of  its 
discovery  by  Columbus  in  1493,  has  since  its  first  subjugation  be- 
longed to  Spain.  Ja-mai'-ca  was  originally  settled  by  the  Spaniards,  but 
in  1655  it  was  taken  by  the  English,  and  has  since  remained  in  their 
hands.  This  island,  distinguished  for  its  prolific  soil  and  genial  cli- 
mate, has  been  the  scene  of  several  terrible  earthquakes  and  hurri- 
canes. 

6.  To  the  south-east  of  Cuba  are  a group  of  islands  known  under  the 
name  of  the  CaP-ib-bees.  The  principal  are  An-ti'-gu-a^  Bar-ba' -does^ 
To-ba'-go^  and  Trin-i-dad\  which  belong  to  Great  Britain,  and  Gua- 
de-lou'pe'  and  Mar-ti-ni! -co^  which  belong  to  France.  The  natives  of 
these  islands,  called  Gavibs^  were  different  from  those  of  Cuba,  Porto 
Rico  and  Jamaica.  The  latter  were  gentle,  soft  and  effeminate ; but 
the  Caribs  were  fierce,  enterprising  and  warlike.  To  each  other  they 
were  mild  and  affectionate,  but  they  regarded  all  strangers  as  foes,  and 
made  war  upon  them  without  scruple. 

7.  They  seemed  to  have  made  some  advances  in  civilization  when 
Columbus  discovered  fheir  islands.  They  were  fond  of  liberty,  and 
chose  rather  to  die  than  submit  to  the  slavery  imposed  upon  them  by 
their  European  conquerors.  Their  numbers  gradually  diminished,  and 
nothing  remains  of  this  formidable  race,  except  a few  scattered  remnants. 

8.  There  are  several  other  West  India  islands,  belonging  to  different 
European  powers,  but  their  history  cannot  be  detailed  here.  We  can 
only  remark,  generally,  that  the  West  Indies,  lying  beneath  a tropical 
sun,  and  abounding  in  the  choicest  vegetable  productions,  have  still 
been  the  theatre  of  frequent  scenes  of  rapine,  plunder  and  bloodshed. 


4.  Wliat  of  Ilayti  ? When  was  St.  Domingo  founded  ? History  of  Hayti  ? 5.  What 

of  Porto  Eico  ? To  what  nation  does  it  belong  ? Who  settled  Jamaica  ? To  whom  does 
it  now  belong?  To  what  is  it  subject?  6.  What  islands  lie  to  the  south-west  of  Cuba? 
Which  are  the  principal  Caribbee  islands?  To  Avhom  do  they  belong?  What  of  the  na- 
tives ? 7.  What  of  them  when  Columbus  discovered  thes  • islands  ? S,  9.  What  is  the  his-^ 
tory  of  the  West  Indies  ? 


484  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

9.  In  the  greedy  scramble  which  followed  the  discovery  of  the  Hew 
"World,  they  were  seized  without  scruple,  and  the  inhabitants  subju- 
gated, enslaved,  or  butchered,  as  suited  the  humor  of  the  invaders. 
During  the  contests  of  their  European  possessors,  they  have  been  often 
taken  and  retaken,  thus  sharing  in  all  the  calamities  of  war. 

10.  These  islands  were  the  theatre  of  the  operations  of  the  Buccaneers 
— the  most  formidable  bands  of  pirates  that  the  world  has  ever  known. 
About  two  centuries  ago,  a small  company  of  these  lawless  men  in- 
habited the  island  of  Tortuga,  and  lived  either  by  the  chase,  or  by 
plundering  such  vessels  as  they  found  upon  the  adjacent  seas. 

11.  They  increased  in  numbers,  and  at  length  became  the  terror  of 
all  the  inhabitants  in  those  regions.  Their  feats  of  skill,  enterprise, 
and  daring  seemed  to  be  almost  miraculous.  They  even  captured  the 
city  of  Havana,  plundered  Port  au  Prince,  and,  extending  tlieir  depre- 
dations to  the  Spanish  main,  carried  off  immense  sums  of  gold,  silver, 
and  other  valuable  commodities. 

12.  They  flourished  for  more  than  half  a century.  The  lives  of  some 
of  these  freebooters  present  a variety  of  curious  and  wonderful  details. 
Their  career,  however,  generally  terminated  in  misery,  and  the  whole 
band  was  at  last  extirpated. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXVI. 

SOUTHERN  PARTS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Mexico  and  Guatemala,  or  Central  America. 

1.  At  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  America,  Mexico  w^as  the  seat  of 
an  extensive  empire,  called  An-a-Jiu-ac' , The  people  were  consider- 
ably advanced  in  civilization.  They  had  large  cities,  splendid  edifices, 
vast  monuments,  numerous  arts,-  and  a regular  government. 

2.  The  Spaniards  soon  became  acquainted  with  the  existence  of  this 
country,  and  an  enterprise  was  accordingly  set  on  foot  for  its  conquest. 
This  consisted  of  six  hundred  soldiers,  and  was  led  by  a daring  and 
determined  officer  named  Her-nan^-do  Cor^-tez.  He  landed  on  the  coast 
in  1518,  and  marched  toward  the  capital,  wdiich  bore  the  name  of 
Te-noch-tit-lan^,  now  Mexico. 

3.  Mon-te-zu^-ma  was  then  upon  the  throne.  By  a series  of  measures 
displaying  the  utmost  intrepidity,  duplicity,  and  injustice,  Cortez  con- 


10.  Who  were  the  Buccaneers?  11.  What  of  their  feats?  12.  How  long  did  they 
flourish  ? What  of  their  career  ? 

Cha'p.  CCXXXVI. — 1.  W^hat  of  Mexico  at  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  America?  What 
was  the  former  name  of  Mexico?  2.  Who  determined  to  conquer  the  country?  What  offi- 
cer went  there  in  1518?  What  was  the  former  name  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  the  capital? 


486  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

qnered  the  entire  empire,  which  became  subject  to  the  Spanish  Dominion 

under  the 
title  of  N'ew 
Spain, 

4.  This  coun- 
try continu- 
ed for  more 
than  two 
centuries  to 
be  an  appen- 
dage to  the 
Spanish 
crown.  The 
natives,  for 
the  most  part, 
submitted  to 
the  Spanish 

THE  GREAT  RELIGIOUS  TEMPLE  AT  MEXICO.  i i 

yoke,  and, 

though  their  numbers  were  thinned  by  the  early  wars,  and  further  re- 
duced by  the  impoverishment  of  their  country,  they  still  amount  to 
several  millions.  Most  of  them  have  partially  adopted  the  Spanish 
customs  and  the  Catholic  religion,  though  they  preserve  many  of 
their  ancient  superstitions.  They  are  generally  occupied  in  laborious 
pursuits,  and  few  instances  have  occurred  in  which  they  have  risen 
above  a menial  condition  in  society. 

5.  In  the  year  1808,  the  people  of  Mexico  rebelled  against  the  gov- 
ernment of  Spain,  and  determined  to  throw  off  their  foreign  yoke.  In 
1813,  a national  congress  declared  Mexico  to  be  independent.  Spain 
made  great  efforts  to  subdue  the  rebellion,  but  without  effect.  The 
struggle  continued  with  various  success  until  1821,  when  the  Spanish 
army  left  the  country. 

6.  The  independence  of  Mexico  has  since  been  recognized  by  Spain 
and  the  other  leading  governments  of  Christendom.  It  has  been  sub- 
ject, however,  to  internal  convulsions,  and  can  hardly  be  considered 
as  yet  in  a settled  state.  The  government  is  republican  in  form,  but 
several  constitutions  have  been  adopted  and  repudiated  since  the  era  of 
its  independence.  Mexico  now  contains  eight  millions  of  inhabitants, | 
most  of  whom  are  Indians,  and  mixed  races.  The  present  title  of  the 
country  is  the  United  States  of  Mexico,  The  Archduke  Maximilian  of 
Austria  has  lately  been  proclaimed  Emperor  of  Mexico,  but  the 
Mexican  Government  are  (1866)  opposing  his  authority. 


3.  Who  was  the  king  of  the  country?  How  was  the  empire  conquered?  What  was  it 
named  after  its  conquest  ? 4.  What  can  you  say  of  the  natives  ? 5.  What  of  the  people 

of  Mexico  in  1808?  In  1813?  When  did  the  Spanish  army  leave  the  country  ? 6.  Whai 
of  the  independence  of  Mexico?  What  of  its  government?  What  ot  the  popiiiation? 
What  01  Maximilian? 


SOUTH  AMERICA. 


487 


7.  Texas  formerly  belonged  to  Mexico,  and  was  one  of  the  states  of 
that  confederacy,  as  we  have  elsewhere  stated.  She  threw  off  the 
yoke,  and  Mexico  strenuously  endeavored  to  recover  her  authority,  but 
without  avail.  The  government  of  Texas,  which  was  republican,  be- 
came established,  and  the  independence  of  the  country  was  recognized 
by  the  United  States,  Great  Britain,  etc.  In  1845,  it  was  annexed  to 
the  United  States,  and  war  with  this  country  followed,  as  already 
related. 

8.  Gua-te-ma'-la,  or  Oenteal  Ameeica,  occupies  the  greater  portion 
of  the  isthmus  that  connects  North  and  South  America.  At  the  time 
of  the  invasion  of  Cortez,  it  was  thickly  peopled  with  Indians  called 
Quiches.  These  had  considerable  cities,  and  presented  nearly  the  same 
state  of  civilization  as  the  Mexicans. 

9.  They  were  conquered  by  Alvarado,  an  officer  dispatched  for  that 
purpose  by  Cortez,  and  the  country  became  a Spanish  province.  It 
remained  in  this  condition  till  the  struggle  for  Independence  com- 
menced in  Mexico,  when  a similar  effort  was  made  by  the  inhabitants 
of  this  territory,  which  resulted  in  their  independence.  They  adopted 
a republican  form  of  government,  with  the  title  of  the  United  States 
of  Central  America. 

10.  These  states  consisted  of  Honduras.,  Guatemala,.,  San  Salvador. 
Nicaragua.,  and  Costa  Rica.  After  a time,  divisions  and  hostilities 
arose  among  them,  and  in  1839  they  became  independent  of  each 
other.  They  have  since  been  subject  to  almost  constant  convulsions 
or  anarchy. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXVII. 

SOUTH  AMERICA. 

Discovery  of  South  America  hy  Columbus, — Discovery  of 
the  Pacific  by  Balboa, — Conquest  of  Peru, 

1.  We  have  already  seen  that  Columbus  discovered  the  mainland 
of  South  America  in  1498.  Other  discoveries,  in  this  quarter,  soon 
followed.  The  coast  was  visited  by  Yespucius,  in  1499,  and,  the  same 

7.  What  of  Texas?  What  of  the  United  States  and  Mexico?  8.  Where  is  Guate- 
mala? Who  were  the  Quiches?  9.  Who  conquered  them?  Give  the  history  of  the 
country.  What  title  did  the  republic  of  Guatemala  adopt  ? 10.  What  were  the  names 
of  the  states  of  Guatemala,  or  the  republic  of  Central  America?  What  is  their  present 
condition  ? 

Chap.  CCXXXVII. — 1.  When  was  the  mainland  of  South  America  discovered  by  Colum- 
bus? What  of  Vespucius?  Of  Pinzon  ? 


488 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


SCENE  IN  SOUTH  AMERICA. 


year,  the  shores  of  Brazil  were  Tisited  by  Pinzon,  a Spanish  navi- 
gator. 

2.  In  1513,  Balboa  crossed  the  Isthmus  of  Pa-na-ma',  and  was  thefirst 
European  whose  eyes  rested  upon  the  eastern  borders  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  then  called  the  South  Sea.  What  a mighty  discovery — for  this 
is  the  largest  ocean  on  the  globe,  and  occupies  nearly  one -fourth  part 
of  its  surface! 

8.  It  is  not  easy,  at  this  day,  for  us  to  conceive  of  the  state  of  ex- 
citement in  which  these  European  navigators  came  to  America.  They 
not  only  looked  upon  it  as  a I^ew  World,  but  as  one  abounding  in  won- 
ders, They  had  found  here  a strange  people,  and  they  had  discovered 
amid  the  tropical  regions  a multitude  of  new  and  interesting  produc- 
tions. 

4.  Flowers  of  the  greatest  beauty,  spices  of  the  rarest  fragrance, 
valuable  gums,  rich  fruits,  birds  of  magnificent  plumage,  and  all  new 
to  them,  crowded  upon  their  attention.  Nature,  indeed,  seemed  to 
have  realized  here  the  enchantments  of  the  fairy  tales ; yet,  thus  far, 
the  avarice  of  the  discoverers  was  not  satisfied.  Gold,  silver,  and 
precious  stones  were  believed  to  abound  in  America,  and  the  greedi- 
ness with  which  they  were  sought,  carried  the  adventurers  over  sea 
and  land,  through  flood  and  forest. 

2.  "What  of  Balboa?  8.  What  of  the  excitement  of  the  early  navigatoi-8?  4,  Whal 
interesting  objects  were  found  in  America? 


CORTEZ  AND  PIZARRO. 


489 


MAP  OF  SOUTH  AMERICA. 


5.  Like  other  illusions,  which  haunt  the  overheated  imagination,  the 
regions  of  gold  seemed  always  to  be  near,  yet  never  readied.  The 
pursuit  was  still  urged,  but  the  object  was  never  fully  attained. 

6.  There  were  indeed  two  exceptions;  Cortez  had  found  spoils  of 
immense  value  in  Mexico,  but  his  success  was  to  be  surpassed  by 
that  of  another  adventurer.  In  1515,  Peru  .had  been  discovered,  and 
Pizarro,  an  illiterate  but  daring  Spanish  soldier,  soon  after  determined 


5.  What  of  tlie  regions  of  gold?  6.  What  of  Cortez?  What  of  Pizarro?  How  manV 
men  did  Pizarro  take  with  him  in  1531  for  the  conquest  of  Peru? 

21* 


490 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


upon  its  conquest.  In  1531,  he  led  thither  a small  hand  of  soldiers 
— thirty  horse  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  foot. 

7.  He  found  Peru  to  he  an  immense  empire,  united  under  a race  of 
sovereigns,  called  In'-cas  or  Children  of  the  Sun.  The  people  were 
pacific,  some  living  in  large  and  handsome  cities,  and  all  subsisting 
chiefly  hy  agriculture.  They  had  a mild  government,  a gentle  religion, 
and  many  useful  arts.  The  reigning  prince  was  A-ta-hu-aV -pa. 

8.  Pi-zar'-ro  invited  him  to  a conference,  hut,  when  the  unsuspecting 
monarch,  with  thousands  of  his  attendants,  came,  the  daring  and  per- 
fidious Spaniard  rushed  upon  him  and  dragged  him  away  from  the 
midst  of  his  nohles.  At  the  same  time,  the  artillery  and  muskets 
played  upon  the  masses  of  the  Indians,  and  cut  them  to  piecOs  hy 
thousands.  It  was  one  of  the  most  hrutal,  bloody,  and  dastardly  acts 
in  all  the  sad  tragedies  of  human  warfare. 

9.  The  captive  Inca  oflered  to  fill  the  room  in  which  he  was  con- 
fined with  gold  and  silver,  for  his  ransom.  This  was  accepted  by 
Pizarro,  and  it  was  affecting  to  see  with  what  devotion  the  people,  in 
all  parts  of  the  country,  parted  with  their  treasures  to  release  theii* 
captive  chief.  At  length,  a mass  of  gold  and  silver,  of  the  value  of 
two  millions  of  dollars,  was  accumulated,  and  Atahualpa  claimed  his 
liberty. 

10.  But  Pizarro  had  no  idea  of  fulfilling  his  promise.  The  Inca  was 
subjected  to  a mock  trial,  condemned,  and  executed,  and  the  ruthless 
murderer  proceeded  to  take  possession  of  his  empire.  Having  con- 
quered the  country,  and  now  being  gorged  with  plunder,  Pizarro 
founded  the  city  of  Li'-ma,  and  became  governor  of  the  country. 

11.  But  his  ill-gotten  wealth  and  power  were  vain  to  their  possessor. 
Hostility  and  strife  sprung  up  among  the  band  of  robbers.  Pizarro 
was  slain  by  his  associates,  and  the  rest  of  the  leaders  fell,  one  after 
another,  by  violence.  Let  it  be  remembered  that  the  most  splendid  and 
successful  robbery  on  record  was  followed  by  the  swiftest  retribution! 

12.  We  may  pause  here  a moment  to  reflect  upon  the  fate  which  at- 
tended the  three  greatest  names  connected  with  the  early  history  of 
America.  Columbus  discovered  a new  world,  but  he  was  once  car- 
ried home  in  chains,  and  at  last  died  in  poverty  and  neglect.  Cortez 
conquered  an  empire,  but  the  crown  did  not  rest  upon  his  brow. 
Pizarro  also  conquered  an  empire,  and  acquired  gold  beyond  the  dreams 
of  avarice,  but  he,  soon  after,  expired  by  the  assassin’s  blade. 


7.  What  did  Pizarro  find  Peru  to  be  ? What  of  the  sovereigns  of  Peru  ? What  of  the  peo- 
ple? Who  was  their  king?  8.  Describe  Pizarro’s  conduct.  9.  What  did  Atahualpa 
promise  to  give  Pizarro  in  order  to  be  liberated  ? How  was  the  Inca  treated  ? 10.  What 
town  was  founded  by  Pizarro?  1 1.  What  became  of  him  and  his  associates?  12.  What 
was  the  fate  of  the  three  great  men  connected  with  the  early  history  of  Spanish  America? 


BOLIVIA,  CHILI,  ETC. 


491 


13.  Time,  with  its  solemn  jury,  has  judged  the  actions  of  these 
three  famous  men.  To  Columbus  a wreath  of  immortal  fame  is  award- 
ed; to  the  others,  the  malefactor’s  infamy.  The  way  of  the  transgres- 
SOI*  is  indeed  hard! 

14.  Peru  continued  for  centuries  to  he  a Spanish  province,  with 
Lima  for  its  capital.  To  this  city,  the  manners,  customs,  and  refine- 
ments of  Spain  were  transferred,  and  thence  partially  diffused  to  several 
portions  of  the  province.  The  country  threw  off  the  yoke  of  Spain 
in  1821,  and,  after  a protracted  struggle,  it  became  an  independent 
republic. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXVIII. 

South  America,  Continued. — Bothnia. — Chili. — The  Ar- 
gentine Bepublic. — Paraguay. — TI ruguay. — Brazil. — 
Gruiana. — Ecuador^  U.  S.  of  Colombia^  and  Venezuela. 

1.  Bo-liv'-i-a,  now  an  independent  state,  and  lying  between  Peru 
and  Chili,  was  originally  a part  of  Peru,  and  continued  so  until  1824. 
After  a battle  between  the  patriot  army  and  the  royalists,  in  which 
the  latter  were  defeated,  the  people  declared  themselves  independent. 
This  occurred  July,  1825.  The  celebrated  Bolivar  furnished  them  a 
scheme  of  a constitution,  which  was  adopted,  and  the  name  of  the 
Liberator  was  given  to  the  republic. 

2.  Chil'-i  was  discovered  by  Al-ma'-gro,  one  of  the  associates  of  Pi- 
zarro,  in  1537.  He  penetrated  into  the  country  with  a small  force,  and 
was  at  first  well  received  by  the  natives ; but  he  was  soon  forced  to  re- 
turn. In  1540,  another  army  was  sent  thither,  under  Yal-di'-vi-a,  who 
was  fiercely  opposed,  especially  by  the  A-rau-ca' -ni-ans  led  by  the  re- 
nowned Cau-pol-i-can^.  In  a great  battle,  Valdivia  was  defeated,  taken 
prisoner,  and  afterward  executed. 

3.  The  country,  however,  along  ‘the  coast  was  conquered  by  the 
Spaniards,  though  the  Araucanians  have  ever  continued  to  maintain 
their  independence.  Chili  remained  as  one  of  the  Spanish  provinces 
till  the  movement  for  independence,  in  1810,  which  resulted  in  the  es- 
tablishment of  a republican  government  about  the  year  1817. 

4.  From  Chili,  southward,  to  Cape  Horn,  the  country  called  Pa-ta- 


13.  What  is  the  decision  of  time  ? 1 4.  What  of  Peru  ? What  of  Lima  ? When  did  the 

country  become  independent  ? 

Chap.  CCXXXVIII. — 1.  What  of  Bolivia  ? When  did  it  become  independent  ? What  was 
done  by  Bolivar?  2.  When  and  by  whom  was  Chili  discovered?  Who  went  there  is 
1540?  What  became  of  Valdivia?  3.  Have  the  Araucanians  ever  been  conquered? 
What  further  of  Chili  ? 


492 


HISTOEY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

go’-ni-a  is  for  the  most  part  cold,  sterile,  and  desolate.  There  is  no 
nation  with  fixed  abodes  or  an  established  government,  here.  The 
country  is  occupied  by  various  tribes  of  savages,  among  whom  the 
Patagonians,  famous  for  their  large  stature,  are  the  most  noted.  Along 
the  gloomy  shores  of  Cape  Horn,  there  is  a race,  of  diminutive  size 
and  squalid  aspect,  who  shiver  amid  the  sleety  tempests  of  these  re- 
gions, living  chiefly  upon  the  productions  of  the  sea.  These  bear  the 
name  of  Fuegians, 

5.  The  Ar^-gen-tine  Confederation,  bounded  on  the  west  by  Chili, 
and  on  the  east  by  the  Atlantic,  Paraguay,  and  Brazil,  formerly  bore 
the  title  of  Buenos  Ayres.  This,  too,  was  one  of  the  early  provinces 
of  Spain,  and  continued  subject  to  that  country  till  1811,  when  the 
people  formed  a government  for  themselves.  From  that  period,  a 
constant  succession  of  convulsions  has  followed. 

6.  Par-a-guay',  one  of  the  finest  regions  on  the  face  of  the  globe,  was 
early  occupied  by  the  Spaniards,  and  became  subject  to  their  sway. 
The  Jesuit  missionaries  took  great  pains  to  introduce  civilization  and 
Christianity  among  the  Indians  in  this  quarter,  and,  it  is  believed,  with 
some  success.  They  had  schools,  and  introduced  music  among  the 
youth,  who  became  proficients  in  singing.  The  Jesuits,  however,  were 
expelled  in  1767,  and  the  Indians  relapsed  into  the  savage  state. 

7.  "When  the  provinces  of  Bu-e'-nos  Ay '-res  threw  off  the  Spanish  yoke 
in  1810,  the  people  of  Paraguay  refused  to  acknowledge  their  author- 
ity, and  established  a government  for  themselves.  In  the  year  1814, 
Dr.  Francia  assumed  all  the  powers  of  government,  and  became  dic- 
tator of  the  country.  He  continued  to  exercise  unlimited  sway  till 
the  year  1842,  when  he  died.  His  government  was  harsh,  but  it 
secured  that  tranquillity  which  the  independent  states  of  South  Amer- 
ica have  not  enjoyed. 

8.  After  Francia^s  death  the  government  was  administered  by  a 
junta  of  five — afterwards  reduced  to  two — until  1846,  when  Carlos 
Antonio  Lopez  was  elected  president  for  life.  An  attack  having  been 
made  upon  the  United  States  vessel  Water-Witch,  in  this  country,  an 
expedition  was  sent  thither  in  1858  to  demand  satisfaction.  This  was 
rendered,  and  amicable  relations  between  the  two  countries  were 
restored.  In  1862  Lopez  died,  and  the  government  devolved  upon  his 
son,  Francisco  Solano  Lopez. 

9.  U-ru-guay',  formerly  a part  of  Buenos  Ayres,  became  independent 
in  1812,  and  is  the  smallest  of  the  South  American  republics. 


4.  Wliat  of  the  country  south  of  Chili  ? What  of  the  Patagonians?  What  of  the  Fue- 
gians?  5.  Where  is  the  Argentine  Republic?  What  of  this  country?  6.  What  of  Par- 
aguay ? The  Jesuits  ? When  were  they  expelled  ? 7.  What  of  the  people  of  Paraguay  ? 
What  of  Dr.  Francia?  His  government  ? Lopez?  8.  What  of  Uruguay  ? 


THE  ABORIGINES. 


493 


9.  Bra-zil^,  occupying  nearly  one-third  of  the  South  American  conti- 
nent, and  having  an  area  equal  to  three-fourths  of  that  of  Europe,  fell 
to  the  lot  of  Portugal.  It  v^as  settled  about  the  year  1500,  and  rapidly 
advanced  in  population.  It  was  ruled  by  provincial  governors  till  1806, 
when  the  king  of  Portugal  fled  thither  to  escape  from  the  French,  who 
had  invaded  his  kingdom.  He  returned  in  1821,  leaving  his  son  Don 
Pedro,  upon  the  throne.  In  1823,  Brazil  became  an  independent  empire. 

10.  Gui-a'-na,  lying  on  the  north-eastern  coast,  is  divided  between  the 
Dutch,  French,  and  English.  Its  early  bistory  is  distinguished  by  the 
expedition  of  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  who  visited  the  country  in  1595,  in 
search  of  El  Dorado.  This  was  a kingdom,  said  to  exist  in  the  interior 
of  South  America,  which  surpassed  all  other  countries  in  gold,  silver, 
and  precious  stones.  But  this  tale  proved  to  be  a fable,  and  the  name 
of  the  imaginary  kingdom  is  a modern  byword,  signiflcant  of  idle  and 
extravagant  expectations  of  wealth.  The  history  of  Guiana  presents 
little  beside,  either  interesting  or  instructive. 

11.  To  the  north  of  Peru  and  Brazil  are  the  three  republics  of 
E-cua-dor^,  United  States  of  Colombia,  and  Yen-e-zu-e^-la.  This 
whole  country  belonged  to  Spain,  and  constituted  several  provinces. 
They  participated  in  the  desire  for  independence  which  pervaded  the 
other  countries  in  this  quarter,  and,  consequently,  threw  off  the 
Spanish  yoke. 

12.  In  the  struggles  which  followed,  the  celebrated  Simon  Bolivar 
obtained  great  distinction  ; the  three  republics  were  united  under  one 
government,  with  the  title  of  Co-lom^-bia,  in  1809,  and  BoP-i-var, 
honored  with  the  title  of  Liberator,  was  entrusted  with  the  supreme 
authority.  This  connection  has  since  been  dissolved ; and  they  now 
oxist  under  three  distinct  organizations. 


CHAPTER  CCXXXIX. 

Conclusion. — The  Indian  Race^  or  Aborigines  of  America. 
— Whence  came  they  f 

1.  We  have  now  completed  our  history  of  the  Western  World,  since 
its  discovery  by  Columbus.  This  lies  within  the  compass  of  less  than 
four  centuries,  and  presents  many  topics  for  profound  reflection.  We 


9.  What  of  Brazil?  When  was  it  settled?  What  took  place  in  1806?  Who  is  the 
reigning  sovereign  ? 10.  How  is  Guiana  divided  ? What  of  its  early  history  ? What  of 

El  Dorado  ? 11.  What  countries  lie  north  of  Brazil  ? What  is  their  history  ? 12.  What 

of  Simon  Bolivar  ? What  constituted  Colombia  ? What  change  has  taken  place  ? 

Chap.  CCXXXIX, — 1.  How  long  has  America  been  discovered  ? 

42 


494 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


have  already  adverted  to  the  fate  of  the  three  extraordinary  men  who 
figure  in  the  foreground  of  the  early  history  of  the  continent. 

2.  We  may  add  here  that  Spain,  the  greedy  spoiler,  who  obtained 
possession  of  nearly  the  whole  of  South  America  and  the  finest  por- 
tions of  INorth  America,  has  not  now  an  inch  of  territory  upon  either. 
When  she  discovered  the  'New  World,  she  was  a great,  powerful,  and 
energetic  nation,  taking  a lead  in  arts  and  arms.  Glutted  with  con- 
quest and  treasure,  she  became  feeble  and  effeminate,  and  at  last  sunk 
into  a state  of  indolence,  ignorance,  and  imbecility. 

3.  In  America,  we  have  seen  the  race  of  Red  Men  vanish  or  dimin- 
ish before  the  march  of  European  population.  In  the  West  Indies,  and 
parts  of  North  and  South  America,  the  Indian  has  giv-en  place  to  the 
African.  There  is,  generally,  a tendency  to  the  annihilation  of  the 
aborigines  of  America,  and  the  substitution  of  the  white  race  in  their 
stead.  Not  many  centuries  will  pass  before  the  American  Indian  will 
exist  only  in  the  pages  of  history. 

4.  The  question  then,  as  now,  will  be  asked,  “ Whence  came  these 
'people  It  will  be  easy  to  tell  their  fate,  for  it  will  be  recorded  to 
the  everlasting  shame  of  civilized  man  * but  their  origin  must  continue 
to  rest  in  doubt  or  obscurity. 

5.  The  Indians  of  Mexico  and  Peru  had  reached  an  advanced  state 
of  civilization.  Though  essentially  distinct,  they  had  many  things  in 
common,  and  many  things,  also,  which  bore  a strict  analogy  to  the 
manners,  customs,  and  opinions  of  the  Eastern  Continent.  They  placed 
a high  value  upon  gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones ; they  employed 
these  for  ornaments,  and  wrought  them  into  various  forms. 

6.  The  Mexicans  had  computations  of  time  similar  to  our  own.  The 
Peruvians  worshipped  the  sun,  like  the  Egyptians  and  Persians.  They 
both  had  styles  of  architecture  resembling  those  of  the  East.  They  had 
sculptures,  images,  and  hieroglyphics,  reminding  every  beholder  of  the 
antiquities  which  lie  scattered  along  the  Nile.  Whence  these  remark- 
able resemblances  and  coincidences? 

7.  We  can  only  account  for  many  things  visible  among  the  Indians 
of  America,  by  supposing  that,  at  some  period,  doubtless  very  remote, 
they  liad  communication  with  the  nations  of  the  Eastern  Continent. 
The  geography  of  the  country,  as  well  as  the  credible  traditions  of  the 
Mexicans,  indeed,  lead  us  to  believe  that  America  was  peopled,  ages 
ago,  by  emigrants  from  Asia,  by  way  of  Behring  Strait. 


2.  What  is  the  fact  in  regard  to  Spain?  3.  What  of  the  Red  Men  ? What  is  the  ten- 
dency in  regard  to  the  aborigines  ? 4.  What  of  their  origin  ? 5.  What  of  the  Indians  of 

Mexico  and  Peru  ? 6,  7.  How  did  they  resemble  the  nations  of  the  Eastern  Continent? 
What  conjectures  can  we  form  ? 


SUPPLEMENT. 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


A declaration  by  the  representatives  of  the  UNITED  STATES  OP 
AMERICA,  IN  CONGRESS  ASSEMBLED,  ADOPTED  JULY  4, 

When,  in  the  course  of  human  events,  it  becomes  necessary  for  one  people  to  dissolve 
the  political  bands  which  have  connected  them  with  another,  and  to  assume,  among  the 
powers  of  the  earth,  the  separate  and  equal  station,  to  which  the  laws  of  nature,  and  of 
nature’s  G-od  entitle  them,  a decent  respect  to  the  opinions  of  mankind  requires  that 
they  should  declare  the  causes  which  impel  them  to  the  separation. 

We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident — that  all  men  are  created  equal;  that  they 
are  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain  inalienable  rights ; that  among  these  are  life, 
liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That,  to  secure  these  rights,  governments  are 
instituted  among  men,  deriving  their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed ; 
that,  whenever  any  form  of  government  becomes  destructive  of  these  ends,  it  is  the 
right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  abolish  it,  and  to  institute  a new  government,  laying  its 
foundations  on  such  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers  in  such  form,  as  to  them  shall 
seem  most  likely  to  eifect  their  safety  and  happiness.  Prudence,  indeed,  will  dictate 
that  governments  long  established  should  not  be  changed  for  light  and  transient  causes ; 
^and,  accordingly,  all  experience  hath  shown  that  mankind  are  more  disposed  to  suffer, 
’while  evils  are  sufferable,  than  to  right  themselves  by  abolishing  the  forms  to  which 
they  are  accustomed.  But  when  a long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pursuing  inva- 
riably the  same  object,  evinces  a desire  to  reduce  them  under  absolute  despotism,  it  is 
their  right,  it  is  their  duty,  to  throw  off  such  government,  and  to  provide  new  guards  fo? 
their  future  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  sufferance  of  these  colonies,  and  such 
is  now  the  necessity  which  constrains  them  to  alter  their  former  systems  of  government. 
The  history  of  the  present  king  of  Great  Britain,  is  a history  of  repeated  injuries  and 
usurpations,  all  having  in  direct  object  the  establishment  of  an  absolute  tyranny  over 
these  states.  To  prove  this,  let  facts  be  submitted  to  a candid  world. 

He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws  the  most  wholesome  and  necessary  for  the  public 
good. 

He  has  forbidden  his  governors  to  pass  laws  of  immediate  and  pressing  importance, 
unless  suspended  in  their  operations  till  his  assent  should  be  obtained;  and,  when  so 
suspended,  he  has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them. 

He  has  refused  to  pass  other  laws  for  the  accommodation  of  large  districts  of  people, 
unless  those  people  would  relinquish  the  right  of  representation  in  the  Legislature — a 
right  inestimable  to  them,  and  formidable  to  tyrants  only. 

He  has  called  together  legislative  bodies  at  places  unusual,  uncomfortable,  and  dis- 
tant from  the  repository  of  their  public  records,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  fatiguing  them 
Into  compliance  with  his  measures. 

He  has  dissolved  representative  houses  repeatedly,  for  opposing,  with  manly  firm' 
aess,  his  invasi-^ns  on  the  rights  of  the  peoi)le. 


496  DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


He  has  refused,  for  a long  time  after  such  dissolutions,  to  cause  others  to  be  elected, 
whereby  the  legislative  powers,  incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  people 
at  large  for  their  exercise;  the  state  remaining,  in  the  mean  time,  exposed  to  all  the 
dangers  of  invasions  from  without,  and  convulsions  within. 

He  has  endeavored  to  prevent  the  population  of  these  states ; for  that  purpose  ob- 
structing the  laws  for  the  naturalization  of  foreigners;  refusing  to  pass  others  to 
encourage  their  migration  hither,  and  raising  the  conditions  of  new  appropriations  of 
lands. 

He  has  obstructed  the  administration  of  justice,  by  refusing  his  assent  to  laws  for 
(3stablishing  judiciary  powers. 

He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone  for  the  tenure  of  their  offices,  and 
the  amount  and  payment  of  their  salaries. 

He  has  erected  a multitude  of  new  offices,  and  sent  hither  swarms  of  officers  to 
harass  our  people  and  eat  out  their  substance. 

He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing  armies,  without  the  consent  ©f  our 
legislatures. 

He  has  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of,  and  superior  to,  the  civil 
power. 

He  has  combined  with  others  to  subject  us  to  a jurisdiction  foreign  to  our  consti- 
tutions, and  unacknowledged  by  our  laws ; giving  his  assent  to  their  acts  of  pretended 
legislation : 

For  quartering  large  bodies  of  armed  troops  among  us ; 

For  protecting  them,  by  a mock  trial,  from  punishment  for  any  murders  which 
th^  should  commit  on  the  inhabitants  of  these  states ; 

For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world; 

For  imposing  taxes  on  us  without  our  consent ; 

For  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of  the  benefits  of  trial  by  jury ; 

For  transporting  us  beyond  seas,  to  be  tried  for  pretended  offences  ; 

For  abolishing  "the  free  system  of  English  laws  in  a neighboring  province,  establish- 
ing therein  an  arbitrary  government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to  render  it  at 
once  an  example  and  fit  instrument  for  introducing  the  same  absolute  rule  into  these 
colonies ; 

For  taKing  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our  most  valuable  laws,  and  altering,  funda- 
mentally, the  forms  of  our  governments ; 

For  suspending  our  own  legislatures,  and  declaring  themselves  invested  with  power 
to  legislate  for  us  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out  of  his  protection,  and  wag- 
ing war  against  us. 

He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts,  burned  our  towns,  and  destroyed  the 
lives  of  our  people. 

He  is  at  this  time  transporting  large  armies  of  foreign  mercenaries,  to  complete  the 
works  of  death,  desolation,  and  tyranny,  already  begun  with  circumstances  of  cruelty 
and  perfidy  scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbarous  ages,  and  totally  unworthy  the 
head  of  a civilized  nation. 

He  has  constrained  our  fellow-citizens,  taken  captive  on  the  high  seas,  to  bear  arms 
against  their  country,  to  become  the  executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to  fall 
themselves  by  their  hands. 

He  has  excited  domestic  insurrection  among  us,  and  has  endeavored  to  bring  on  the 
inhabitants  of  our  frontiers,  the  merciless  Indian  savages,  whose  known  rule  of  warfare 
is  an  undistinguished  destruction  of  all  ages,  sexes,  and  conditions. 

In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions  we  have  petitioned  for  redress  in  the  most ' 
humble  terms ; our  repeated  petitions  have  been  answered  only  by  repeated  injury.  A 
prince  whose  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act  which  may  define  a tyrant,  is  unfit 
to  be  the  ruler  of  a free  people. 

Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  our  attentions  to  our  British  brethren.  We  have 
warned  them,  from  time  to  time,  of  attempts  by  their  legislature  to  extend  an  unwar- 
rantable jurisdiction  over  us.  We  have  reminded  them  of  the  circumstances  of  our  emi- 
gration and  settlement  here.  We  have  appealed  to  their  native  justice  and  magnanimity, 
and  we  have  conjured  them  by  the  ties  of  our  common  kindred,  to  disavow  these  usur- 
pations, which  w’ould  inevitably  interrupt  our  connections  and  correspondence.  They, 
too,  have  been  deaf  to  me  voice  of  justice  and  of  consanguinity.  We  must,  therefore, 
acquiesce  in  the  necessity  which  denounces  our  separation,  and  hold  them  as  we  hold  the 
rest  of  mankind — enemies  in  war — in  peace,  friends. 

We,  therefore,  the  representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  general  Con- 
gress assembled,  appealing  to  the  Sui»reme  Judge  of  the  world  for  the  rectitude  of  our 
intentions,  do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  these  colonies, 
solemnly  publish  and  declare  that  these  united  colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be,  free 
and  independent  states;  that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to  the  British  crown, 
and  that"  all  political  connection  between  them  and  the  state  of  Great  Britain,  is,  and 
ought  to  be,  totally  dissolved,  and  that,  as  free  and  independent  states,  they  have  full 
power  to  levy  war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances,  establish  commerce,  and  do  all 
other  acts  and  things  which  independent  states  may  of  right  do.  And  for  the  support  of 


ARTICLES  OF  CONFEDERATION.  497 


tnis  ^declaration,  with  a firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  we  mutu- 
ally pledge  to  each  other  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honor. 

Signed  by 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  of  Massachusetts. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRB. 

Josiah  Bartlett, 
William  Whipple, 
Matthew  Thornton. 

MASSACHUSETTS  BAY. 

Samuel  Adams, 

John  Adams, 

Robert  Treat  Paine, 
Elbridge  Gerry. 

KHODE  ISLAND,  ETC. 

Stephen  Hopkins, 
William  Ellery. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Roger  Sherman, 
Samuel  Huntingdon, 
William  Williams, 
Oliver  Wolcott. 

NEW  YORK. 

William  Floyd, 

Philip  Livingston, 
Francis  Lewis, 

Lewis  Morris. 


NEW  JERSEY. 

Richard  Stockton, 
John  Witherspoon, 
Francis  Hopkirson, 
John  Hart, 

Abraham  Clark. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Robert  Morris, 
Benjamin  Rush, 
Benjamin  Franklin, 
John  Morton, 

George  Clymer, 
James  Smith, 

George  Taylor, 
James  Wilson, 
George  Ross. 

DELAWARE. 

Caesar  Rodney, 
George  Read. 
Thomas  M’Kean. 

MARYLAND. 

Samuel  Chase, 
William  Paca, 


Thomas  Stone, 

C.  Carroll,  of  Carrollton. 

VIRGINIA. 

George  Wythe, 

Richard  Henry  Lee, 
Thomas  Jefferson, 
Benjamin  Harrison, 
Thomas  Nelson,  Jr. 
Francis  Lightfoot  Lee, 
Carter  Braxton. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

William  Hooper, 

Joseph  Hewes, 

John  Penn. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA, 

Edward  Rutledge, 
Thomas  Heyward,  Jr., 
Thomas  Lynch,  Jr., 
Arthur  Middleton. 

GEORGIA. 

Button  Gwinnett, 
Lyman  Hall, 

George  Walton. 


AETICLES  OF  CONFEDEEATION 


And  perpetual  union,  between  the  states  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode 
Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia. 

ARTICLE  I. 

The  style  of  this  confederacy  shall  be,  “The  United  States  of  America.” 

ARTICLE  II. 

Each  state  retains  its  sovereignty,  freedom,  and  independence,  and  every  power,  juris- 
diction, and  right,  which  is  not  by  this  confederation,  expressly  delegated  to  the  United 
States  in  congress  assembled. 


ARTICLE  III. 

The  said  states  hereby  severally  enter  into  a firm  league  of  friendship  with  each  other, 
for  their  common  defence,  the  security  of  their  liberties,  and  their  mutual  and  general 
welfare , binding  themselves  to  assist  each  other  against  all  force  offered  to,  or  attacks 
made  upon  them,  or  any  of  them,  on  account  of  religion,  sovereignty,  trade,  or  any  other 
pretence  whatever. 

ARTICLE  lY. 

The  better  to  secure  and  perpetuate  mutual  friendship  and  intercourse  among  the 
people  of  the  different  states  in  this  Union,  the  free  inhabitants  of  each  of  these  states, 
paupers,  vagabonds,  and  fugitives  from  justice  excepted,  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges 

42* 


498 


ARTICLES  OE  COW  EEDER  ATION. 


and  immunities  of  free  citizens,  in  the  several  states-;  and  the  people  of  each  state  shall 
have  free  ingress  and  regress  to  and  from  any  other  state;  and  shall  enjoy  therein  all  the 
privileges  of  trade  and  commerce,  subject  to  the  same  duties,  impositions,  and  restric- 
tions, a"s  the  inhabitants  tnereof  respectively;  provided,  that  such  restriction  shall  not 
extend  so  far  as  to  prevent  the  removal  of  property  imported  into  any  state,  to  any  other 
state  of  which  the  owner  is  an  inhabitant;  provided,  also,  that  no  imposition,  duties,  or 
restriction,  shall  be  laid  by  any  state,  on  the  property  of  the  United  States,  or  either  of 
them. 

If  any  person  guilty  of,  or  charged  with,  treason,  felony,  or  other  high  misdemeanor, 
in  any  state,  shall  flee  from  justice,  and  be  found  in  any  of  the  United  States,  he  shall, 
upon  demand  of  the  governor  or  executive  power  of  the  state  from  which  he  fled,  be  de 
livered  up,  and  removed  to  the  state  having  jurisdiction  of  his  offence. 

Full  faith  and  credit  shall  be  given  in  each  of  these  states  to  the  records,  acts,  and  judi. 
sial  proceedings,  of  the  courts  and  magistrates  of  every  other  state. 


AETIOLE  V. 

For  the  more  convenient  management  of  the  general  interests  of  the  United  States, 
delegates  shall  be  annually  appointed  in  such  manner  as  the  legislature  of  each  state  shall 
direct,  to  meet  in  congress  on  the  first  Monday  in  November,  in  every  year,  with  a power 
reserved  to  each  state  to  recall  its  delegates,  or  any  of  them,  at  any  time  within  the  year, 
and  send  others  in  their  stead,  for  the  remainder  of  the  year. 

No  state  shall  be  represented  in  Congress  by  less  than  two,  nor  by  more  than  seven, 
members;  and  no  person  shall  be  capable  of  being  a delegate  for  more  than  three  years 
in  any  term  of  six  years : nor  shall  any  person,  l&eing  a delegate,  be  capable  of  holding 
any  office  under  the  United  States,  for  which  he,  or  another  for  his  benefit,  receives  any 
salary,  fees,  or  emolument  of  any  kind. 

Each  state  shall  maintain  its  own  delegates  in  a meeting  of  the  states,  and  while  they 
act  as  members  of  the  committee  of  the  states. 

In  determining  questions  in  the  United  States,  in  congress  assembled,  each  state  shall 
have  one  vote. 

Freedom  of  speech  and  debate  in  congress  shall  not  be  impeached  or  questioned,  in  any 
court  or  place  out  of  congress;  and  the  members  of  congress  shall  be  jirotected  in  their 
persons  from  arrests  and  imprisonment,  during  the  time  of  their  going  tu,  and  from,  and 
attendance  on,  congress,  except  for  treason,  felony,  or  breach  of  the  peaces 


AETICLE  VI. 

No  state,  without  the  consent  of  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  shall  send 
any  embassy  to,  or  receive  any  embassy  from,  or  enter  into  any  conference,  agreement, 
alliance,  or  treaty,  with  any  king,  prince,  or  state;  nor  shall  any  person,  holding  any 
office  of  profit,  or  trust,  under  the  United  States,  or  any  of  them,  accept  of  any  present, 
emolument,  office,  or  title,  of  any  kind  whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or  foreign  state; 
nor  shall  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  or  any  of  them,  grant  any  title  of 
nobility. 

No  two  or  more  states  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  confederation,  or  alliance  whatever, 
between  them,  without  the  consent  of  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  specify- 
ing accurately  the  purposes  for  which  the  same  is  to  be  entered  into,  and  how  long  it 
i^hall  continue. 

No  state  shall  lay  any  imposts  or  duties,  which  may  interfere  with  any  stipulations  in 
treaties  entered  into,  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  with  any  king,  prince, 
or  state,  in  pursuance  of  any  treaties,  already  proposed  by  congress  to  the  courts  of  France 
and  Spain. 

N o vessels  of  war  shall  be  kept  up,  in  time  of  peace,  by  any  state,  except  such  number 
only,  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary,  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  for  the 
defence  of  such  state,  or  its  trade ; nor  shall  any  body  of  forces  be  kept  up  by  any  state, 
in  time  of  peace,  except  such  number  only,  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  United  States  in 
congress  assembled,  shall  be  deemed  requisite  to  garrison  the  forts  necessary  for  the 
defence  of  such  state ; but  every  state  shall  always  keep  up  a well-regulated  and  disci- 
plined militia,  sufficiently  armed  and  accoutred ; and  shall  provide  and  constantly  have 
ready  for  use,  in  public  stores,  a due  number  of  field-pieces  and  tents,  and  a proper  quan- 
tity of  arms,  ammunition,  and  camp  equipage. 

No  state  shall  engage  in  any  war,  without  the  consent  of  the  United  States  in  congi*ess 
assembled,  unless  such  state  be  actually  invaded  by  enemies,  or  shall  have  received  cer- 
tain advice  of  a resolution  being  formed  by  some  nation  of  Indians  to  invade  such  state, 
and  the  danger  is  so  imminent  as  not  to  admit  of  a delay  till  the  United  States  in  congress 
assembled  can  be  consulted ; nor  shall  any  state  grant  commissions  to  any  ship  or  vessels 
of  war,  nor  letters  of  marque  or  reprisal,  except  it  be  after  a declaration  of  war  by  the 
United  States  in  congi-ess  assembled;  and  then  only  against  the  kingdom  or  state,  and 
the  subjects  thereof,  against  which  war  has  been  so  declared,  nnd  under  such  regulations 
as  shall  be  established  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled;  unless  such  state  be 


ARTICLES  OF  C ON  EELER  AT  ION  . 


499 


•ofested  by  pirates,  in  which  vessels  of  war  may  be  fitted  out  for  that  occasion,  and  kept 
so  long  as  the  danger  shall  continue,  or  until  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled 
shall  determine  otherwise. 

AETICLE  VII. 

When  land  forces  are  raised  by  any  state  for  the  common  defence,  all  officers  of,  or 
under,  the  rank  of  colonel,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  legislature  of  each  state  respectively, 
by  whom  such  forces  shall  be  raised,  or  in  such  manner  as  such  state  shall  direct ; and  all 
vacancies  shall  be  filled  up  by  the  state  which  first  made  the  appointment 

AETICLE  YIII. 

All  charges  of  war,  and  all  other  expenses  that  shall  be  incurred  for  the  common 
defence,  or  general  welfare,  and  allowed  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled, 
shall  be  defrayed  out  of  a common  treasury,  which  shall  be  supplied  by  the  several 
states  in  proportion  to  the  value  of  all  land  within  each  state,  granted  to,  or  surveyed  for, 
any  person,  as  such  land  and  the  buildings  and  improvements  thereon  shall  be  estimated, 
according  to  such  mode  as  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled  shall,  from  time  to 
time,  direct  and  appoint.  The  taxes  for  paying  that  proportion,  shall  be  laid  and  levied 
by  the  authority  and  direction  of  the  legislatures  of  the  several  states,  within  the  time 
agreed  upon  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled. 

AETICLE  IX. 

The  United  States  in  congress  assembled,  shall  have  the  sole  and  exclusive  right  and 
power  of  determining  on  peace  and  war,  except  in  the  cases  mentioned  in  the  sixth 
article : of  sending  and  receiving  ambassadors : entering  into  treaties  and  alliances  ; pro- 
vided that  no  treaty  of  commerce  shall  be  made,  whereby  the  legislative  power  of  the 
respective  states  shall  be  restrained  from  imposing  such  imposts  and  duties  on  foreigners 
as  their  own  people  are  subjected  to,  or  from  prohibiting  the  exportation  or  importation 
of  any  species  of  goods  or  commodities  whatever:  of  establishing  rules  for  deciding,  in  all 
cases,  what  captures  on  land  or  water  shall  be  legal;  and  in  what  manner  prizes”  taken 
by  land  or  naval  forces,  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  divided  or  appropri- 
ated: of  granting  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  in  times  of  peace:  appointing  courts  for 
the  trial  of  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high  seas ; and  establishing  courts  for 
receiving  and  determining,  finally,  appeals  in  all  cases  of  captures ; provided,  that  no 
member  of  congress  shall  be  appointed  a j udge  of  any  of  the  said  courts. 

The  United  States  in  congress  assembled  shall  also  be  the  last  resort,  on  appeal,  in  all 
disputes  and  dilferences  now  subsisting,  or  that  hereafter  may  arise,  between  two  or 
more  states,  concerning  boundary,  jurisdiction,  or  any  other  cause  whatever;  which 
authority  shall  always  be  exercised  in  the  manner  following:  whenever  the  legislative 
or  executive  authority,  or  lawful  agent,  of  any  state,  in  controversy  with  another,  shall 
present  a petition  to  congress,  stating  the  matter  in  question,  and  praying  for  a hearing, 
notice  thereof  shall  be  given,  by  order  of  congress,  to  the  legislative  or  executive  author- 
ity of  the  other  state  in  controversy;  and  a day  assigned  for  the  appearance  of  the  parties 
by  their  lawful  agents,  who  shall  then  be  directed  to  appoint,  by  joint  consent,  commis- 
sioners or  judges,  to  constitute  a court  for  hearing  and  determining  the  matter  in  question : 
but  if  they  cannot  agree,  congress  shall  name  three  persons,  out  of  each  of  the  United 
States;  and  from  theTist  of  such  persons,  each  party  shall  alternately  strike  out  one,  the 
petitioners  beginning,  until  the  number  shall  be  reduced  to  thirteen;  and  from  that 
number,  not  less  than  seven,  nor  more  than  nine,  names,  as  congress  shall  direct,  shall, 
in  the  presence  of  congress,  be  drawn  out,  by  lot ; and  the  persons  whose  names  shall  be 
so  drawn,  or  any  five  of  them,  shall  be  commissioners  or  judges,  to  hear  and  finally 
determine  the  controversy,  so  always  as  a major  part  of  the  judges,  who  shall  hear  the 
cause,  shall  agree  in  the  determination.  And  if  either  party  shall  neglect  to  attend  at 
the  day  appointed,  without  showing  reasons  which  congress  shall  judge  sufiScient,  or 
being  present  shall  refuse  to  strike,  the  congress  shall  proceed  to  nominate  three  persons 
out  of  each  state ; and  the  secretary  of  congress  shall  strike  in  behalf,qf  such  party  absent 
or  refusing;  and  the  judgment  and  sentence  of  the  court,  to  be  appointed  in  the  manner 
before  i)rescribecl,  shall  be  final  and  conclusive.  And  if  any  of  the  parties  shall  refuse  to 
submit  to  the  authority  of  such  court,  or  to  appear,  or  defend  their  claim  or  cause,  the 
court  shall,  nevertheless,  proceed  to  pronounce  sentence  or  judgment,  which  shall  in  like 
manner  be  final  and  decisive;  the  judgment,  or  sentence^  and  other  proceedings,  being, 
in  either  case,  transmitted  to  congress,  and  lodged  among  the  acts  of  congress,  for  the 
security  of  the  parties  concerned : provided,  that  every  commissioner,  before  he  sits  in 
judgment,  shall  take  an  oath,  to  be  administered  by  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  or 
superior  court  of  the  state,  where  the  cause  shall  be  tried,  “ well  and  truly  to  hear  and 
determine  the  matter  in  question,  according  to  the  best  of  his  judgment,  without  favor, 
affection,  or  hope  of  reward :”  provided,  also,  that  no  state  shall  be  deprived  of  territory 
for  the  benefit  of  the  United  States. 

All  controversies  concerninar  the  private  right  of  soil  claimed  under  different  grants  of 

40  ^ 


500 


ARTICLES  OF  CONFEDERATION. 


two  or  more  states,  whose  jurisdictions,  as  they  may  respect  such  lands  and  the  states 
which  passed  such  grants,  are  adjusted,  the  said  grants,  or  either  of  them,  being  at  the 
same  time  claimed  to  have  originated  antecedent  to  such  settlement  of  jurisdiction,  shall, 
on  the  petition  of  either  party  to  the  congress  of  the  United  States,  be  finally  determined, 
as  near  as  may  be,  in  the  same  manner  as  is  before  prescribed  for  deciding  disputes 
respecting  territorial  jurisdiction  bettveen  different  states. 

The  United  States  in  congress  assembled  shall  also  have  the  sole  and  exclusive  right 
and  power  of  regulating  the  alloy  and  value  of  coin  struck  by  their  own  authority,  or  by 
that  of  the  respective  states : fixing  the  standard  of  weights  and  measures  throughout  the 
United  States:  regulatuig  the  trade  and  managing  all  affairs  with  the  Indians,  not  mem- 
bers of  any  of  the  states;  provided  that  the  legislative  right  of  any  state  within  its  own 
limits  be  not  infringed  or  violated:  establishing  and  regulating  post-offices  from  one  state 
to  another,  throughout  all  the  United  States,  and  exacting  such  postage  on  the  papers 
passing  through  the  same  as  may  be  requisite  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  said  office : 
appointing  all  officers  of  the  land  forces  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  excepting 
regimental  officers:  appointing  all  the  officers  of  the  naval  forces,  and  commissioning  all 
officers  whatever  in  the  service  of  the  United  States : making  rules  for  the  government 
and  regulation  of  the  land  and  naval  forces,  and  directing  their  operations. 

The  United  States  in  congress  assembled  shall  have  authority  to  appoint  a committee, 
to  sit  in  the  recess  of  congress,  to  be  denominated  a committee  of  the  states,  and  to  con- 
sist of  one  delegate  from  each  state;  and  to  appoint  such  other  committees  and  civil 
officers  as  may  be  necessary  for  managing  the  general  affairs  of  the  United  States  under 
their  direction  : to  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  preside ; provided,  that  no  person  be 
allowed  to  serve  in  the  office  of  president  more  than  one  year  in  any  term  of  three  years. 
To  ascertain  the  necessary  sums  of  money  to  be  raised  for  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  to  appropriate  and  apply  the  same  for  defraying  the  public  expenses:  to  borrow 
money,  or  emit  bills  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  every  half  year  to 
the  respeetive  states  an  account  of  the  sums  of  money  so  borrowed  or  emitted : to  build 
and  equip  a navy:  to  agree  upon  the  number  of  land  forces,  and  to  make  requisitions 
from  each  state  for  its  quota,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  white  inhabitants  in  such 
state,  which  requisition  shall  be  binding;  and  thereupon  the  legislature  of  each  state 
shall  appoint  the  regimental  officers,  raise  the  men,  and  clothe,  arm,  and  equip  them,  in 
a soldierlike  manner,  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States;  and  the  officers  and  men  so 
clothed,  armed,  and  equipiied,  shall  march  to  the  place  appointed,  and  within  the  time 
agreed  on,  by  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled;  but  if  the  United  States  in  con- 
gress assembled  shall,  on  consideration  of  circumstances,  judge  proper  that  any  state 
should  not  raise  men,  or  should  raise  a smaller  number  than  its  quota,  and  that  any  other 
state  should  raise  a greater  number  of  men  than  its  quota  thereof,  such  extra  number 
shall  be  .'sised,  officered,  clothed,  armed,  and  equipped,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  quota 
of  such  state  ; unless  the  legislature  of  such  state  shall  judge  that  such  extra  number  can- 
not be  safely  spared  out  of  the  same ; in  which  case  they  shall  raise,  officer,  clothe,  arm, 
and  equip,  as  many  of  such  extra  number  as  they  judge  can  be  safely  spared:  and  the 
officers  and  men  so  clothed,  armed,  and  equipped,  shall  march  to  the  place  appointed,  and 
within  the  time  agreed  on,  by.  the  United  States  in  congress  assembled. 

The  United  States  in  congress  assembled  shall  never  engage  in  a war;  nor  grant  letters 
of  marque  and  reprisal  in  tinie  of  peace  ; nor  enter  into  any  treaties  or  alliances ; nor  coin 
money ; nor  regulate  the  value  thereof ; nor  ascertain  the  sums  and  expenses  necessary 
for  the  defence  and  welfare  of  the  United  States,  or  any  of  them;  nor  emit  bills;  nor 
borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States;  nor  appropriate  money  ; nor  agree 
upon  the  number  of  vessels  of  war  to  be  built  or  purchased,  or  the  number  of  land  or  sea 
forces  to  be  raised;  nor  appoint  a commander-in-chief  of  the  army  or  navy;  unless  nine 
states  assent  to  the  same ; nor  shall  a question  on  any  other  point,  except  for  adjourning 
from  day  to  day,  be  determined,  unless  by  the  votes  of  a majority  of  the  United  States  in 
congress  assembled. 

The  congress  of  the  United  States  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  any  time  within  the 
year,  and  to  any  place  within  the  United  States,  so  that  no  period  of  adjournment  be  for 
a longer  duration  than  the  space  of  six  months;  and  shall  publish  the  journal  of  their 
proceedings  monthly,  except  such  parts  thereof  relating  to  treaties,  alliances,  or  military 
operations,  as  in  their  judgment  require  secrecy  ; and  the  yeas  and  nays  of  the  delegates 
of  each  state,  on  any  question.,  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal,  when  it  is  desired  by  any 
delegate  ; and  the  delegates  of  a state,  or  any  of  them,  at  his  or  their  request,  shall  be  fur 
nished  with  a transcript  of  the  said  journal,  except  such  parts  as  are  above  excepted,  tr 
lay  before  the  legislatures  of  the  several  states. 

ARTICLE  X. 

The  committee  of  the  states,  or  any  nine  of  them,  shall  be  authorized  to  execute,  in 
the  recess  of  congress,  such  of  the  powers  of  congress  as  the  United  States  in  congress 
assembled,  by  the  consent  of  nine  states,  shall,  from  time  to  time,  think  expedient  to  vest 
them  with;  provided. that  no  power  be  delegated  to  the  said  committee,  for  the  exercise 
of  which,  by  the  articles  of  confederation,  the  voice  of  nine  states  in  the  congress  of  '^e 
United  States  assembled  is  requisite. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  501 


ARTICLE  XL 

Canada,  acceding  to  this  confederation,  and  joining  in  the  measures  of  the  United  States 
shall  be  admitted  into,  and  entitled  to  all  the  advantages  of  this  Union.  But  no  othei 
colony  shall  he  admitted  into  the  same,  unless  such  admission  be  agreed  to  by  nine  states 

ARTICLE  XII. 

All  bills  of  credit  emitted,  moneys  borrowed,  and  debts  contracted,  by  or  under  thf 
authority  of  congress,  before  the  assembling  of  the  United  States,  in  pursuance  of  the  pres* 
ent  confederation,  shall  be  deemed  and  considered  as  a charge  against  the  United  States, 
for  payment  and  satisfaction  whereof,  the  said  United  States,  and  the  public  faith,  are 
hereby  solemnly  pledged. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

Every  state  shall  abide  by  the  determinations  of  the  United  States  in  congress  assem- 
bled, on  all  questions  which,  by  this  confederation,  are  submitted  to  them.  And  the 
articles  of  this  confederation  shall  be  inviolably  observed  by  every  state;  and  the  Union 
shall  be  perpetual.  Nor  shall  any  alteration  at  any  time  hereafter  be  made  in  any  of 
them,  unless  such  alteration  be  agreed  to,  in  a congress  of  the  United  States,  and  be  after- 
wards confirmed  by  the  legislatures  of  every  state. 

And  whereas,  it  hath  pleased  the  great  Governor  of  the  world  to  incline  the  hearts  of 
the  legislatures  we  respectively  represent  in  congress  to  approve  of,  and  to  authorize  us 
to  ratify,  the  said  articles  of  confederation  and  perpetual  union: 

Know  Ye,  That  we,  the  undersigned  delegates,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority 
to  us  given  for  that  purpose,  do,  by  these  presents,  in  the  name,  and  in  behalf,  of  our 
respective  constituents,  fully  and  entirely  ratify  and  confirm  each  and  every  of  the  said 
articles  of  confederation  and  perpetual  union,  and  all  and  singular  the  matters  and  things 
therein  contained.  And  we  do  further  solemnly  plight  and  engage  the  faith  of  our 
respective  constituents,  that  they  shall  abide  by  the  determinations  of  the  United  States 
in  congress  assembled,  on  all  questions,  which,  by  the  said  confederation,  are  submitted 
to  them;  and  that  the  articles  thereof  shall  be  inviolably  observed  by  the  states  we 
respectively  represent;  and  that  the  union  shall  be  perpetual. 

In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  in  congress. 

Done  at  Philadelphia,  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  the. ninth  day  of  July,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-eight,  and  in  the  third  year  of  thb 
Independence  of  America, 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


We,  the  People  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  union,  establish 
justice,  insure  domestic  tranquillity,  provide  for  the  common  defence,  promote  the 
general  welfare,  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  posterity, 
do  ordain  and  establish  this  Constitution  for  the  United  States  of  America. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  1.  All  legislative  powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  a Congress  of  the 
United  States,  which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and  House  of  Represontatives. 

Section  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  members  chosen  every 
second  yeai-  by  the  people  of  the  sever.al  states,  and  the  electors  in  each  state  shall  have 
the  qualifications  requisite  for  electors  of  the  most  numerous  branch  of  the  state  legis- 
lature. 

No  person  shall  be  a representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  twenty- 
five  years,  and  been  seven  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shail  not,  when 
elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  state  in  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

Representatives  and  direct  taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several  states  which 
may  be  included  within  this  Union,  according  to  their  respective  numbers,  which  shall 
he  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of  free  persons,  including  those  bound  tc 
service  for  a term  of  years,  and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  per- 
sons. The  actual  enumeration  shall  be  rimde  within  three  years  after  the  first  meeting 


502  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  within  every  subsequent  term  of  ten  years,  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  by  law  direct.  The  number  of  representatives  shall  not 
exceed  one  for  every  thirty  thousand,  but  each  state  shell  have  at  least  one  representa- 
tive; and  until  such  enumeration  shall  be  made,  the  state  of  New  Hampshire  shall  be 
entitled  to  choose  three,  Massachusetts  eight,  Ehode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations 
one,  Connecticut  five,  New  York  six.  New  Jersey  four,  Pennsylvania  ei2:ht,  Delaware 
cne,  Maryland  six,  Virginia  ten.  North  Carolina  five.  South  Va-rolina  five"',  and  Georgia 
three. 

When  vacancies  happen  in  the  representation  from  any  state,  the  executive  authority 
tliereof  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such  vacancies. 

The  House  of  Kepresentatives  shall  choose  their  speaker  and  other  officers;  and  shall 
have  the  sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Section  3.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  shall  be  composed  of  two  senators  from 
each  state,  chosen  by  the  legislature  thereof,  for  six  years ; and  each  senator  shall  have 
one  vote. 

Immediately  after  they  shall  be  assembled  in  consequence  of  the  first  election,  they 
ffiall  be  divided  as  equally  as  may  bo  into  three  classes.  The  seats  of  the  senators  of  the 
first  class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of  the  second  year,  of  the  seconil  class  at  the 
expiration  of  the  fourth  year,  and  of  the  third  class  at  the  expiration  of  the  sixth  year,  so 
that  one-third  may  be  chosen  every  second  year;  and  if  vacancies  happen  by  resignation, 
or  otherwise,  during  the  recess  of  the  legislature  of  any  state,  the  executive  thereof  may 
make  temporary  appointments  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  legislature,  which  shall  then 
fill  such  vacancies. 

No  person  shall  be  a senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty  years,  and 
been  nine  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an 
inhabitant  of  that  state  for  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

The  vice-president  of  the  United  States  shall  be  president  of  the  Senate,  but  shall  have 
no  vote,  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  choose  their  other  officers,  and  also  a president  pro  tempore,  in  the 
absence  of  the  vice-president,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  office  of  president  of  the 
United  States. 

The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  power  to  try  all  impeachments : when  sitting  for  that 
purpose,  they  shall  be  on  oath  or  affirmation.  When  the  president  of  the  United  States 
is  tried,  the  chief-justice  shall  preside:  and  no  person  shall  be  convicted  without  the 
concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 

Judgment  in  cases  of  impeachment  shall  not  extend  further  than  to  removal  from  office, 
and  disqualification  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  of  honor,  trust  or  profit  under  the  United 
States:  but  the  party  convicted  snail  nevertheless  be  liable  and  subject  to  indictment, 
trial,  judgment,  and  punishment,  according  to  law. 

Section  4.  The  times,  places,  and  manner  of  holding  elections  for  senators  and  repre- 
sentatives, shall  be  prescribed  in  each  state  by  the  legislature  thereof ; but  the  Congress 
may  at  any  time,  by  law,  make  or  alter  such  regulations,  except  as  to  the  places  of  choos- 
inu  s(‘nators. 

The  Congress  shall  assemble  at  least  once  in  every  year,  and  such  meeting  shall  be  on 
the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  they  shall,  by  law,  appoint  a different  day. 

Skction  5.  Each  house  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  elections,  returns,  and  qualifications  of 
its  own  members,  and  a majority  of  each  shall  constitute  a quorum  to  do  business  ; but  a 
smaller  number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may  be  authorized  to  compel  the 
attendance  of  absent  members,  in  such  manner,  and  under  such  penalties  as  each  house 
may  ])rovide. 

Each  house  may  determine  the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  punish  its  members  for  disor- 
derl}'^  behavior,  and,  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds,  expel  a member. 

Each  house  shall  keep  a.  journal  of  its  proceedings,  and  from  time  to  time  publish  the 
same,  excepting  such  parts  as  may  in  their  judgment  require  secrecy,  and  the  yeas  and 
nays  of  the  members  of  either  house  on  any  question  shall,  at  the  desire  of  one-fifth  of 
tliose  present,  be  entered  on  the  journal. 

Neither  house,  during  the  session  of  Congress,  shall  without  the  consent  of  the  other, 
adjourn  for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  the  two 
houses  shall  be  sitting. 

Section  6.  The  senators  and  representatives  shall  receive  a compensation  for  their  sei-- 
vices,  to  be  ascertained  by  law,  and  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  United  States.  They 
shall  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony,  and  breach  of  the  peace,  be  privileged  from  arrest 
during  their  attendance  at  the  session  of  their  respective  houses,  and  in  going  to  and 
returning  from  the  same ; and  for  any  speech  or  debate  in  either  house,  they  shall  not  be 
piestioned  in  any  other  jdace. 

No  senator  or  representative  shall,  during  the  time  for  which  ho  was  elected,  be 
appointed  to  any  civil  office  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  have 
beo^'  .icated,  or  the  emoluments  whereof  shall  have  been  increased  during  such  time; 
and  no  person  holding  any  office  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  a member  of  either 
house  during  his  continuance  in  office. 

Section  7.  fill  bills  for  raising  revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of  Eepresentatives, 
but  the  Senate  may  jn-opose  or  concur  with  amendments  as  on  other  bills. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  503 


Every  bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Keprescntatives  and  the  Senate,  shall, 
tiefore  it  become  a law,  be  presented  to  the  president  of  the  United  States ; if  he  approve 
!ie  shall  sign  it,  but  if  not  he  shall  return  it,  with  his  objections,  to  that  house  in  which  it 
vhall  have  originated,  who  shall  enter  the  objections  at  large  on  thttir  journal,  and  proceed 
to  reconsider  it.  If  after  such  reconsideration,  two- thirds  of  that  house  shall  agree  to  pass 
the  bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  with  the  objections,  to  the  other  house,  by  which  it  shall 
likewise  be  reconsidered,  and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of  that  house,  it  shall  become  a 
law.  But  in  all  such  cases  the  votes  of  both  houses  shall  be  determined  by  yeas  and  nays, 
and  the  names  of  the  persons  voting  for  and  against  the  bill  shall  be  entered  on  the  jour- 
nal of  each  house  respectively.  If  any  bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  president  within 
ten  days  (Sunday  excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him,  the  same  shall  be  a 
law',  in  like  manner  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  the  Congress  by  their  adjournment  pre- 
vent its  return,  in  w'hich  case  it  shall  not  be  a law. 

Every  order,  resolution,  or  vote  to  wdiich  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  may  be  necessary  (except  on  a question  of  adjournment)  shall  be  pre- 
sented to  the  president  of  the  United  States;  and  before  the  same  shall  take  effect,  shall 
be  approved  by  him,  or,  being  disapprdved  by  him,  shall  be  repassed  by  tw'o-thirds  of  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  according  to  the  rules  and  limitations  prescribed  in 
the  case  of  a bill. 

Section  8.  The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts,  and 
excises,  to  pay  the  debts  and  ])rovide  for  the  common  defence  and  general  welfare  of  the 
Enited  States ; but  all  duties,  imposts,  and  excises  shall  be  uniform  throughout  the  United 
States ; 

To  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States; 

To  regulate  commerce  wdth  foreign  nations,  and  among  the  several  states,  and  with  the 
Indian  tribes ; 

To  establish  a uniform  rule  of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws  on  the  subject  of  bank- 
ruptcies throughout  the  United  States ; 

To  coin  money,  regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin,  and  fix  the  standard  of 
weights  and  measures ; 

To  provide  for  the  punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  securities  and  current  coin  of  the 
I''^nited  States ; 

To  establish  post-offices  and  post-roads ; 

To  promote- the  progress  of  science  and  useful  arts,  by  securing  for  limited  times,  to 
authors  and  inventors  the  exclusive  right  to  their  respective  writings  and  discoveries ; 

To  constitute  tribunals  interior  to  the  supreme  court; 

To  define  and  pun  sh  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high  seas,  and  offences 
against  the  laws  of  nations ; 

To  declare  war,  grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make  rules  concerning  cap- 
tures on  land  and  water ; 

To  raise  and  support  armies,  but  no  appropriation  of  money  to  that  use  shall  be  for  a 
longer  term  than  two  years ; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a navy ; 

To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of  the  land  and  naval  forces  ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insur- 
rections, and  repel  invasions ; 

To  provide  for  organizing,  arming,  and  disciplining,  the  militia,  and  for  governing  such 
part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  reserving  to  the 
states  respectively,  the  appointment  of  the  officers,  and  the  authority  of  training  the 
militia  according  to  the  discipline  prescribed  by  Congress. 

To  exercise  exclusive  legislation  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  over  such  district  (not  exceed- 
ing ten  miles  square)  as  may,  by  cession  of  particular  states,  and  the  acceptance  of  Con- 
gress, become  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and  to  exercise  like 
authority  over  all  places  purchased  by  the  consent  of  the  legislature  of  the  state  in  which 
the  same  shall  be,  for  the  erection  of  forts,  magazines,  arsenals,  dockyards,  and  other 
needful  buildings ; — and 

To  make  all  law's  which  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying  into  execution  the 
foregoing  powers,  and  all  other  pow'ers  vested  by  this  constitution  in  the  government  of 
the  United  States,  or  in  any  department  or  officer  thereof. 

Section  9.  The  migration  or  importation  of  such  persons  as  any  of  the  states  now  exist- 
ing shall  think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by  the  Congress  prior  to  the 
year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  but  a tax  or  duty  may  be  imposed  on  such 
importation,  not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for  each  person. 

The  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  unless  when  in  cases 
of  rebellion  or  invasion  the  public  safety  may  require  it. 

No  bill  of  attainder  or  ex  post  facto  law-^  shall  be  passed. 

No  capitation,  or^bther  direct  tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  proportion  to  tlie  census  or 
enumeration  hereinbefore  directed  to  be  taken. 

No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  state. 

No  prefvo-ence  shall  be  given  b}'  any  regulation  of  commerce  or  revenue  to  the  ports  of 
one  state  over  those  of  another:  nor  shall  vessels  bound  to,  or  from,  one  state,  be  obliged 
to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  another 


504  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury,  but  in  consequence  of  appropriations  made 
by  law;  and  a regular  statement  and  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  all  pub- 
lic money  shall  be  published  from  time  to  time. 

No  title  of  nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States:  and  no  person  holding  any 
office  of  profit  or  trust  under  them,  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  accept  of 
any  present,  emolument,  office,  or  title,  of  any  kind  whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or 
foreign  state. 

Sp:ction  10.  No  state  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  confederation ; grant  letters 
of  marque  and  reprisal;  coin  money  ; emit  bills  of  credit ; make  any  thing  but  gold  and 
silver  coin  a tender  in  payment  of  debts ; pass  any  bill  of  attainder,  ex  post  facto  law,  or 
law  impairing  the  obligation  of  contracts,  or  grant  any  title  of  nobility. 

No  state  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  lay  any  impost  or  duties  on  im- 
ports or  exports,  except  what  may  be  absolutely  necessary  for  executing  its  inspection 
laws  ; and  the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and  imposts,  laid  by  any  state  on  imports  or  ex- 
ports, shall  be  for  the  use  of  the  treasury  of  the  United  States;  and  all  such  laws  shall  be 
subject  to  the  revision  and  control  of  the  Congress. 

No  state  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty  of  tonnage,  keep  troops, 
or  ships-of-war  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into  any  agreement  or  compact  with  another  state, 
or  with  a foreign  power,  or  engage  in  war,  unless  actually  invaded,  or  in  such  immineut 
danger  as  will  not  admit  of  delay. 


AETICLE  II. 

Section  1.  The  executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a president  of  the  United  States  of 
America.  He  shall  hold  his  office  during  the  term  of  four  years,  and,  together  with  the 
vice-president,  chosen  for  the  same  term,  be  elected,  as  follows : 

Each  state  shall  appoint,  in  such  manner  as  the  legislature  thereof  may  direct,  a number 
of  electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  senators  and  representatives  to  which  the  state 
may  be  entitled  in  the  Congress:  but  no  senator  or  representative,  or  person  holding  an 
office  of  trust  or  profit  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  appointed  an  elector. 

[The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  states,  and  vote  by  ballot  for  two  persons, 
of  whom  one  at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same  state  with  themselves.  And 
they  shall  make  a list  of  all  the  persons  voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each; 
Avhich  list  they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and  transmit  sealed  to  the  seat  of  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  directed  to  the  president  of  the  Senate.  The  president  of  the  Senate 
shall,  in  the  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Eepresentatives,  open  all  the  certificates, 
and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes 
shall  be  the  president,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors 
anoointed;  and  if  there  be  more  than  one  who  have  such  majority  and  have  an  equal 
numoc:;  of  votes,  then  the  House  of  Eepresentatives  shall  immediately  choose  by  ballot 
one  of  them  for  president;  and  if  no  person  have  a majority,  then  from  the  five  highest 
on  the  list  the  said  house  shall  in  like  manner  choose  the  president.  But  in  choosing  the 
president,  the  votes  shall  be  taken  by  states,  the  representation  from  each  state  having 
one  vote ; a quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a member  or  members  from  two- 
thirds  of  the  states,  and  a majority  of  all  the  states  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  In 
every  case,  after  the  choice  of  the  president,  the  person  having  the  greatest  number 
of  votes  of  the  electors  shall  be  the  vice-president.  But  if  there  should  remain  two 
or  more  who  have  equal  votes,  the  Senate  shall  choose  from  them  by  ballot  the  vice- 
president.] 

The  Congress  may  determine  the  time  of  choosing  the  electors,  and  the  day  on  which 
they  shall  give  their  votes ; which  day  shall  be  the  same  throughout  the  United  States. 

No  person  except  a natural  born  citizen,  or  a citizen  of  tiie  United  States,  at  the  time 
of  the  adoption  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  president ; neither 
shall  any  person  be  eligible  to  that  office  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty- 
five  years,  and  been  fourteen  years  resident  within  the  United  States. 

In  case  of  the  removal  of  the  president  from  office,  or  of  his  death,  resignation,  or  in- 
ability to  discharge  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  said  office,  the  same  shall  devolve  on 
the  vice-president,  and  the  Congress  may  by  law  provide  for  the  case  of  removal,  death, 
resignation,  or  inability,  both  of  the  president  and  vice-president,  declaring  what  officer 
shall  then  act  as  president,  and  such  officer  shall  act  accordingly,  until  the  disability  be 
removed,  or  a president  shall  be  elected. 

The  president  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  his  services,  ^ compensation,  which 
shall  neither  be  increased  nor  diminished  during  the  period  for  whl^h  he  shall  have  been 
elected,  and  he  shall  not  receive  within  that  period  any  other  emolument  from  the  United 
States,  or  any  of  them. 

Before  he  enter  on  the  execution  of  his  office,  he  shall  take  the  loaowing  oath  or  . 
affirmation : — “ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I will  faithfully  Execute  the  office  of 
president  of  the  United  States,  and  will  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  preserve,  protect,  and 
defen  ! the  constitution  of  the  United  States.” 

Section  2.  The  president  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and  navy  of  the 
United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  states,  when  called  into  the  actual  service 
of  the  United  States;  he  may  require  the  opinion,  in  writing,  of  the  principal  officer  in 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  505 


each  of  the  executive  departments,  upon  any  subject  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  re. 
Bpective  offices,  and  he  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardons  for  offences  against 
the  Un  ted  States,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

He  shall  have  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  to  make  treaties, 
provided  two-thirds  of  the  senators  present  concur;  and  he  shall  nominate,  and  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  shall  appoint  ambassadors,  other  public  minis- 
ters and  consuls,  judges  of  the  supreme  court,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  United  States, 
whose  appointments  are  not  herein  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  shall  be  established 
by  law : but  the  Congress  may  by  law  vest  the  appointment  of  such  inferior  officers,  as 
they  think  proper,  in  the  president  alone,  in  the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  heads  of  depart- 
ments. 

The  president  shall  have  power  to  fill  up  all  vacancies  that  may  happen  during  the 
recess  of  the  Senate,  by  granting  commissions  which  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  next 
session. 

Section  3.  He  shall  from,  time  to  time  give  to  the  Congress  information  of  the  state  of 
the  Union,  and  recommend  to  their  consideration  such  measures  as  he  shall  judge  neces- 
sary and  expedient ; he  may  on  extraordinary  occasions,  convene  both  houses,  or  either 
of  them,  and  in  case  of  disagreement  between  them,  with  respect  to  the  time  of  adjourn- 
ment, he  may  adjourn  them  to  such  time  as  he  shall  think  proper;  he  shall  receive  am- 
bassadors and  other  public  ministers ; he  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  exe- 
cuted, and  shall  commission  all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

Section  4.  The  president,  vice-president,  and  all  civil  officers  of  the  United  States,  shall 
be  removed  from  office  on  impeachment  for,  and  conviction  of,  treason,  bribery,  or  other 
high  crimes  and  misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  vested  in  one  suprerne 
court,  and  in  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Congress  may  from  time  to  time  ordain  and 
establish.  The  judges,  both  of  the  supreme  and  inferior  courts,  shall  hold  their  offices 
during  good  behavior,  and  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  their  services,  a compensation, 
which  shall  not  be  diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 

Section  2.  The  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases,  in  law  and  equity,  arising  under 
this  Constitution,  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be 
made,  under  their  authority;  to  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers, 
and  consuxs;  to  all  cases  of  admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction;  to  controversies  to 
which  the  United  States  shall  be  a party ; to  controversies  between  two  or  more  states ; 
between  a state  and  citizens  of  another  state ; between  citizens  of  different  states ; be- 
tween citizens  of  the  same  state  claiming  lands  under  grants  of  different  states,  and 
between  a state,  or  the  citizens  thereof,  and  foreign  states,  citizens,  or  subjects. 

In  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers  and  consuls,  and  those  in 
which  a state  shall  be  party,  the  supreme  court  shall  have  original  jurisdiction.  In  all 
the  other  cases  before  mentioned,  the  supreme  court  shall  have  appellate  jurisdiction, 
both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  exceptions,  and  under  such  regulations  as  the  Congress 
shall  make. 

The  trial  of  all  crimes,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be  by  jury;  and  such  trial 
shall  be  held  in  the  state  where  the  said  crimes  shall  have  been  committed ; but  when 
not  committed  within  any  state,  the  trial  shall  be  at  such  place  or  places  as  the  Congress 
may  by  law  have  directed. 

Section  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States,  shall  consist  only  in  levying  war  against 
them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort. 

No  person  shall  be  convicted  of  treason  unless  on  the  testimony  of  two  witnesses  to  the 
same  overt  act,  or  on  vmnfession  in  open  court. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  declare  the  punishment  of  treason,  but  no  attainder 
of  treason  shall  work  corruption  of  blood,  or  forfeiture  except  during  the  life  of  the  per- 
son attainted. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  1.  Full  faith  and  credit  shall  be  given  in  each  state  to  the  public  acts,  records, 
and  judicial  proceedings  of  every  other  state.  And  the  Congress  may  by  general  laws 
prescribe  the  manner  in  which  such  acts,  records,  and  proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and 
the  effect  thereof. 

Section  2.  The  citizens  of  each  state  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges  and  immunities 
of  citizens  in  the  several  states. 

A person  charged  in  any  state  with  treason,  felony,  or  other  crime,  who  shall  flee  from 
iusiice,  and  be  found  in  another  state,  shall,  on  demand  of  the  executive  authority  of  the 
state  from  which  he  fled,  be  delivered  up,  to  be  removed  to  the  state  having  jurisdiction 
of  the  crime. 

No  person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  one  state,  under  the  laws  thereof,  escaping  into 
another,  shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or  regulation  therein,  be  discharged  from  such 
service  or  labor,  but  shall  be  delivered  up  on  claim  of  the  party  to  whom  such  service  or 
labor  may  be  due. 

43 


506  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


Section  3.  New  states  may  be  admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this  Union;  but  no  ne-if 
state  shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  jurisdiction  of  any  other  stafe  ; nor  any  state 
be  formed  by  the  Junction  of  two  or  more  states,  without  the  consent  of  the  legislatures 
of  the  states  concerned  as  well  as  of  the  Congress. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needful  rules  and  regiilationa 
respecting  the  territory  or  other  property  belonging  to  the  United  States ; and  nothing 
in  this  Constitution  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  prejudice  any  claims  of  the  United  States, 
or  of  any  particular  state. 

Section  4,  The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  state  in  this  Union,  a republican 
form  of  government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them  against  invasion,  and  on  application 
of  the  legislature,  or  of  the  executive  (when  the  legislature  cannot  be  convened)  against 
domestic  violence. 

AETICLE  Y. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  houses  shall  deem  it  necessary,  shall  pro- 
pose amendments  to  this  Constitution,  or,  on  the  application  of  the  legislatures  of  two^ 
thirds  of  the  several  states,  shall  call  a convention  for  proposing  amendments,  which,  in 
either  case,  shall  be  valid  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  part  of  this  Constitution,  when 
ratified  by  the  legislatures  of  three-fourths  of  the  several  states,  or  by  conventions  in 
three-fourths  thereof,  as  the  one  or  the  other  mode  of  ratification  may  be  proposed  by  the 
Congress ; provided  that  no  amendment  which  may  be  made  prior  to  the  year  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  eight  shall  in  any  maimer  affect  the  first  and  fourth  clauses  in 
the  ninth  section  of  the  first  article ; and  that  no  state,  without  its  consent,  shall  be 
deprived  of  its  equal  suffrage  in  the  Senate. 


AETICLE  YL 

All  debts  contracted  and  engagements  entered  into,  before  the  adoption  of  this  Consti- 
tution, shall  be  as  valid  against  the  United  States  under  this  Constitution,  as  under  the 
confederation. 

This  Constitution,  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  which  shall  be  made  in  pursuance 
thereof ; and  all  treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made,  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
States,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land  ; and  the  judges  in  every  state  shall  be  bound 
thereby,  any  thing  in  the  constitution  or  laws  of  any  state  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  senators  and  representatives  before  mentioned,  and  the  members  of  the  several 
state  legislatures,  and  all  executive  and  judicial  officers,  both  of  the  United  States  and  of 
the  several  states,  shall  be  bound  by  oath  or  affirmation,  to  support  this  Constitution ; 
but  no  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust 
under  the  United  States. 

AETICLE  YII. 

The  ratification  of  the  conventions  of  nine  states,  shall  be  sufficient  for  the  establish 
ment  of  this  Constitution  between  the  states  so  ratifying  the  same. 

Done  in  convention  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  states  present  the  seventeenth  day 
of  September  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-severe, 
and  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America  the  twelfth.  In  witness 
whereof  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names. 

GEOEGE  WASHINGTON, 
President^  and  Deputy  from  Virginiiu 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

,tohn  Langdon, 

Nicholas  Gilman. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 
Nathaniel  Gorham, 

Eufus  King. 

CONNECTICUT. 

William  Samuel  Johnson, 
Eoger  Sherman. 

NEW  YORK. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

William  Livingston, 
David  Brearley, 

William  Paterson, 
Jonathan  Dayton. 

Attest : 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

Benjamin  Franklin, 
Thomas  Mifflin, 
Eobert  Morris, 

George  Clymer, 
Thomas  Fitzsimons, 
Jared  lugersoll, 
James  Wilson, 
Gouverneur  Morris. 

DELAWARE. 

George  Eeecl, 
Gunning  Bedford,  Jr., 
John  Dickinson, 
Eichard  Bassett, 
Jacob  Broom. 


VIRGINIA. 

John  Blair, 

James  Madison,  Jr. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

William  Blount, 
Eichard  Dobbs  Spaigbt, 
Hugh  Williamson. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

John  Eutledge, 

Charles  C.  Pinckney, 
Charles  Pinckney, 
Pierce  Butler. 


GEORGIA, 

MARYLAND. 

James  MTIenry,  William  Few, 

Danie  of  St.  Thos.  Jenifer,  Abraham  Baldwin., 

Daniel  Carroll. 

WILLIAM  JACKSON,  SeoreUrry 


AMEJSDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 


507 


AMENDMENTS 

ZQ  THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  RATIFIED  ACCORDING  TO  THE 
PRO^HSIONS  OF  THE  FIFTH  ARTICLE  OF  THE  FOREGOING  CONSTITUTION. 

Article  the  first.  Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  establisliment  of  religion, 
or  prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof:  or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech,  or  of  the 
press;  or  the  right  of  the  people  peaceably  to  assemble,  and  to  petition  the  government 
for  redress  of  grievances. 

Article  the  secoxd.  A well-regulated  militia,  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a free 
state,  the  right  of  the  people  to  keep  and  bear  arms,  shall  not  be  infringed. 

Article  the  third.  No  soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house, 
without  the  consent  of  the  owner,  nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a manner  to  be  prescribed 
by  law. 

Article  the  fourth.  The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses, 
papers,  and  effects,  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be  violated,  ancl 
no  warrants  shall  issue,  but  upon  probable  cause,  supported  by  oath  or  affirmation,  and 
particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched,  and  the  persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 

Article  the  fifth.  No  person  shall  be  held  to  ansvver  for  a capital,  or  otherwise  in- 
famous crime,  unless  on  a presentment  or  indictment  of  a grand  jury,  except  in  cases 
arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  militia,  when  in  actual  service  in  time  of  war 
and  public  danger;  nor  shall  any  person  be  subject  for' the  same  offence  to  be  twice  put 
in  jeopardy  of  life  or  limb;  nor  shall  be  compelled  in  any  criminal  case  to  be  a witness 
against  himself,  nor  to  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty,  or  property,  without  due  process  of 
law;  nor  shall  private  property  be  taken  for  public  use,  without  just  compensation. 

Article  the  sixth.  In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to 
a speedy  and  public  trial,  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  state  and  district  wherein  the  crime 
shall  have  been  committed,  which  district  shall  have  been  previously  ascertained  by  law, 
and  to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  accusation ; to  be  confronted  with  the 
witnesses  against  him ; to  have  compulsory  process  for  obtaining  witnesses  in  his  favor, 
and  to  have  the  assistance  of  counsel  for  his  defence. 

Article  the  seventh.  In  suits  at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  controversy  shall 
exceed  twenty  dollars,  the  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact  trie^d  by  a 
jury  shall  be  otherwise  re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United  States,  than  according  to 
the  rules  of  common  law. 

Article  the  eighth.  Excessive  bad  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed, 
nor  cruel  and  unusual  punishments  ihfiicted. 

Article  the  ninth.  The  enumeration  in  the  Constitution,  of  certain  rights,  shall  not 
be  construed  to  deny  or  disparage  others  retained  by  the  people. 

Article  the  tenth.  The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Consti- 
tution, nor  prohibited  by  it  to  the  states,  are  reserved  to  the  states  respectively,  or  to  the 
people. 

Article  the  eleventh.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  not  be  con^ 
strued  to  extend  to  any  suit  in  law  or  equity,  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one  of 
the  United  States  by  citizens  of  another  state,  or  by  citizens  or  subjects  of  any  foreign 
state. 

Article  the  twelfth.  The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  states,  and  vote  by 
bjillot  for  president  and  vice-president,  one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant 
of  the  same  state  with  themselves;  they  shall  name  in  their  ballots  the  person  voted  for 
as  president,  and  in  distinct  ballots  the  person  voted  for  as  vice-president,  and  they  shall 
make  distinct  lists  of  all  persons  voted  for  as  president,  and  of  all  persons  voted  for  as 
vice-president,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each,  which  lists  they  shall  sign  and  cer- 
tify, and  transmit  sealed  to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  directed  to 
the  president  of  the  Senate ; the  president  of  the  Senate  shall,  in  the  presence  of  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Eepresentatives,  open  all  the  certificates,  and  the  votes  shall  then 
•be  counted ; the  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  for  president,  shall  be  the 
president,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed  ; and 
if  no  person  have  such  majority,  then  from  the  persons  having  the  highest  numbers  not 
exceeding  three  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as  president,  the  House  of  Representatives 
shall  choose  immediately,  by  ballot,  the  president.  But  in  choosing  the  president,  the 
votes  shall  be  taken  by  states,  the  representation  from  each  state  having  one  vote ; a 


508  AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 


quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a member  or  members  from  two-thirds  of  the 
states,  and  a rnajority  of  ail  the  states  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  And  if  the  House 
of  Representatives  shall  not  choose  a president  whenever  the  right  of  choice  shall  devolve 
upon  them,  before  the  fourth  day  of  March  next  following,  then  the  vice-president  shall 
act  as  president,  as  in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other  constitutional  disability  of  the  presi- 
dent. The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  vice-president,  shall  be  the 
vice-president,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed, 
and.  if  no  person  have  a majority,  then  from  the  two  highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the 
Senate  shall  choose  the  vice-president;  a quorum  for  the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  senators,  and  a mcijority  of  the  whole  number  shall  be 
necessary  to  a choice.  But  no  person  constitutionally  ineligible  to  the  office  of  president 
shall  be  eligible  to  that  of  vice-president  of  the  United  States. 

Article  the  Thirteenth. — Sec.  1.  Neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a 
punishment  for  crime  whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted,  shall  exist  within 
the  United  States  or  any  place  subject  to  their  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  2,  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legislation. 


INDEX 


AND  PRONOUNCING  DICTIONARY  OF  PROPER  NAMES  OCCURRING  IN  THIS  WORK. 


It  is  recommended  that  the  teacher  exercise  the  pupils  in  this  index  as  a 
spelling  lesson. 


A,  page 

Ab'-er-crom-bie 156 

Ab-o-rig'-i-nes,  of  America 494 

Ad'-ams,  John.’ V.V.V.V.V.  17 7 ”287^29^  304,  375 

Ad'-ams,  John  Quin'-cy 333,  374,  414 

Ad'-ams,  Sam'u-el 191 

A-dol'-phus,  Gus-ta'-vus 106 

Af-ri-ca 12 

Aix-la-Cha-pelle'  [aiks-lah-sha-pdV^ 139 

A-la-ba'-ma 367 

Al-be-marle' 453 

A-lert',  capture  of 328 

Al-ex-an'-dri-a 353 

Al-giers',  war  with 362 

Al-gon'-quins 94 

Al-la-too'-na  Pass 466 

Al'-len,  Ethan 188 

A-me'-li-a  Isl'-and 365 

A-mer'-i-can  party 436 

Am'-herst,  General 160 

Am-pu'-di-a,  General 407 

An-a-huac'  [an-a-waclc'^ 484 

An'-der-son,  Major 450 

An'-dre  [an'-dray\  Major 267 

An'-dros,  Sir  Ed'-mond 104, 121 

An-nap'-o-lis 129 

Ant-arc'tic  Continent 393 

An-tie'-tam 459 

A-pa'-ches 473 

Ap-a-lach'-i-an  In'-di-ans 131 

A-raii-ca'-ni-ans 491 

Ar'-gall,  Captain 52 

Ar'-gen-tine  Re-pub'-lic 492 

Ar'-giis,  capture  of 339 

Ar-kan'-sas 381 

Arm'-strong,  General 343 

Ar'-nold,  Ben'-e-dict 200,  202,  219,  266,  271 

Ash'-bur-ton,  Lord 399 

A'-si-a 12 

As-sin'-i-bo-ins 473 

As'-tor,  John  Ja'-cob 445 

As-to'-ri-a 445 

At  lan'-tic  O'-cean 13 

At'-tucks 176 

Av'-on,  capture  of. 348 

B. 

Ba'-con,  Na-than'-iel 114 

Ba-ha'-mas 24,  482 


43* 


PAGE 

Bain'-bridge,  Captain 313 

Bal-bo'-a 488 

Bal'-ti-more,  Lord .'  76 

Bal'-ti-more  ri'-ot 325 

Bar'-ca 314 

Bar'-ney,  Commodore 352 

Bar'-re,  Colonel 167 

Bar'-ron,  Commodore 317 

Bar'-ry,  Captain 275 

Bar'-ton,  Colonel 223 

Baum,  Colonel 226 

Bay'-ard,  J.  A 333 

Behr'-ing,  Vi'-tus 481 

Beau'-fort  {jm’-furf] : 453 

Beau-re-gard',  General 450 

Bell,  John 447 

Bel'-la-my,  Sam'-u-el 134 

Bel'-mont,  Au'-gust 423* 

Ben'-ning-ton,  battle  of. 226 

Ben'-ton,  Thom'-as  H 440 

Berk'-ley,  Lord .*. 105, 114 

Ber'-lin  de-cree' 317 

Bid'-dle,  Captain 360 

Big  Beth '-el 452 

Big  Shanty 466 

Bi-lox'-i 147 

Bing'-ham,  Captain 321 

Black'-feet 473 

Black  Hawk 385 

Black  War'-ri-or 429 

Blen-ner-has'-set’s  Isl'-and 315 

Blood'-y  Brook Ill 

Blythe,  Captain 340 

Bol'-i-var,  Si'-mon 491 

Bond,  General 337 

Boone,  Colonel  Dan'-iel 293 

Boone'-ville 452 

Bos'-ton  Port  Bill 180 

Box'-er,  capture  of. 340 

Boyd,  General 344 

Brad'-dock,  General 154 

Brad'- ford,  Governor 66 

Brandt 245 

Bran'-dy-wine,  battle  of., 221 

Bra-zil' 493 

Breck'-en-ridge,  John  C... 435,  447 

Bre'-ton,  Cape 28 

Bridge'-wa-ter,  battle  of. 350 

Brit'-ish  A-mer'-ica 478 


(509) 


510 


INDEX 


PAGE 


PAGE 


Brock 32f> 

Brock,  General 330 

Brown,  Colonel 190 

Brown,  General 349 

Buc-ca-neers' 484 

Bu-chan'-an,  Janies 429,  435,  446,  448 

Bnd'-ding-ton,  Captain 433 

Bu'-ell,  General 456 

Bu-e'-nos  Ay'-res  [bo'-nos-tty'-riz\ 492 

Bun'-ker  Hill,  battle  of. 191 

Bun'ker-Hill  Mon'-ument 402 

Bur-goyne',  General 220,  224 

Bur-goyne',  capture  of. 229^ 

Burke,  Edmund 171 

Burn'-side,  General 454 

Burr,  Aa'-ron 309,  312 

Burr’s  Con-spir'-a-cy 315 

Bur'-rows,  Lieutenant 340 

But'-ler,  John 245 


C. 


Cab'-ot,  John 27 

Cab -ot,  Se-bas-'-ti-an 27 

Cai'-ro 451 

Cal-houn',  John  C 374,  420 

Cal-i-for'-ni-a 416 

Cal'-vert,  George 76 

Cal'-vert,  Leon'-ard 76 

Cam'-bridge  Plat'-form 127 

Cam'-den,  battle  of...... 264 

Can'-a-da. 479 

Ca-na'-ry  Isles 13,  21 

Ca-non'-chet 112 

Ca-non'-i-cus 66 

Car'-den,  Captain 331 

Car'-ib-bees 485 

Car-o-li'-na 107 

Car-o-li'-na,  South 108 

.Car'-roll,  Charles 385 

Car'-te-ret,  Sir  George 105 

Car'-thage 452 

Car'-tier 29 

Car'-ver,  Governor 57,  66 

Cass,  General 343,  415 

Ca-taw'-bas 96 

Cat  Island . 482 

Cau-pol-i-can'. 481 

Cen'-tial  A-mer'-i-ca 484 

Cer'-ro  Gor'-do  410 

Cha-long',  Captain 53 

Champe,  Sergeant 269 

Chan'-cel-lors-ville 460 

Cha-pul-te-pec' 411 

Charles  I 89 

Charles  IX 107 

Charles'-ton 108 

Charles'  ton,  surrendei*  of. 262 

Char'  ter  Oak 122 

Chat'  ham.  Lord 157 

Chat-ta-hoo'-chie 466 

Chat-ta-noo-'ga 461 

Chaun'-cey,  Commodore 335,  343,  348 

Che-raw',  battle  of. ^3 

Cher-o-kee'  In'-di-ans .96,  162 

Ches'-a-peake,  attack  on 317 

Ches'-a-peake,  capture  of. 338 

Chick-a-hom'-i-ny 39,  458 

Chick-a-mau''ga - - 461 

Chil'-i 491 

Chip'-pe-wa,  battle  of..,. 349 


Choc'-taws 96 

Clai'-borne,  Governor 311 

Clai'-borne 77 

Clay,  Hen'-ry 379,  388,  404,  419,  423 

Clinch,  General 383 

Clin' ton.  Be  Witt 333 

Clin'-ton,  General 206,  210 

Clin'- ton,  George 312,  320 

Co-a-hui'-la  \co-a-wee’-la].,. 408 

Co-che'-co 72 

Cod,  Cape 56 

Cod'-ding-ton,  Will'-iam 81 

Cof  fee,  General 344 

Co-lom'-bi-a 493 

Co-lum'-bus,  Chris '-to-pher 18,  26 

Co-man'-ches 473 

Com'-pro-mise  of  1850... 419 

Con'-cord,  battle  of 186 

Con-fed-er-a'-tion,  Ar'-ti-cles  of.. 279 

Con'-gress,  first  general 181 

Con-nec'-ti-cut 78 

Con-sti-tu'-tion  of  the  United  States 285 

Con-ti-nen'-tal  Coif-gress 207 

Con-ti-nen'-tal  Mon'-ey 255 

Con-tre'-ras  t 411 

Coop'-er,  Rev.  Mr 295 

Copp’s  Hill 193 

Corn-wal'-lis,  Lord 218,  276  , 

Cor'-pus  Chris'-ti 406 

Cor-te-re'-al,  Gas'-par 28 

Cor'-tez,  Fer-nan'-do 32,  484 

’ Cos'-ta  Ri'-ca  [kos'-ta-ree'-lcd] 487 

Cote,  Colonel 391 

Cot'-ton,  history  of. 141 

Cow'-pens,  battle  of. 272 

Crad'-ock,  Governor 71 

Cra'-ven,  Governor 132 

Craw'-ford,  Minister 339 

Creek  In'-di-ans 96,  383 

Creek  In'-di-ans,  war  with 345 

Cro'-ghan,  Major 337 

Crom'-well 89 

Crown  Point 153 

Crys'-tal  Pal'-ace 430 

Cu'-ba 25,  482 

Cul'-pep-per,  Lord 115 

Cum'-ming,  Governor 440 

Cush'-ing,  Ca'-leb 403 

Cus'-ter,  General 462 

Cy-ane',  capture  of. 360 


B. 

Da'-cres,  Captain...- 

Dade,  Major 

Dah-ko'-tahs..^ 

Dahl'-gren,  General 

Dale,  Sir  Thom'-as 

Dal'-las,  George  M 

Dan'-bury,  burning  of. 

Dan'- vers 

Dart'-moor  mas'-sa-cre 

Dart'-mouth  Col'-lege 

Dav'-en-port,  Rev  Mr 

Da'- vies,  W.  R 

Da'-vis,  Jefferson 

Deane,  Si'-las 

Dear'-born,  General  Ilen'-ry. 

De-ca'-tur,  Commodore 

De  Grasse,  Count - 

Do  Ha'*Yen. 


329 

383 

96 

462 

49 

....  404 

219 

100 

361 

128 

......  86 

305 

449 

236 

.329,  343 
.313,  362 
„....  277 
489 


INDEX. 


511 


PAGE 

De  Kalb,  Baron 263 

Del'-a-war© 106 

Del'-a-ware,  Lord 48 

Del'-a-wares 96 

I)elft'-ha-ven 56 

Dem-o-crat'-ic  party 395 

Den'-mark 14 

Den'-ys  of  Hon-fleur' 28 

De-pos'-its,  removal  of 380 

Derne 314 

D’Es-taing',  Count 241,  275 

De-troit' 147 

D’l'-ber-ville 147 

Bi-es'-kau 154 

Din-wid'-die,  Governor 148 

Dis'-trict  of  Co-lum'-bia 308 

Dor'-ches-ter 79 

Dor'-ches-ter  Heights 204 

Dorr,  Thom'-as  W 400 

Doug'-las,  Stephen  A 447 

Do'-ver 72 

Drake,  Sir  Fran'-cis 108 

Drum'-mond,  General 349 

Dud'-ley,  Thom'-as 74 

Dun'-more,  Lord 201 

Du-pont',  Commodore 453 

Dutch 51 

E. 

Ear'-ly,  General 464 

East'-ern  War 431 

Eas'-ton 158 

Ea'-ton,  General 314 

Ea'-ton,  Mr 86 

Ed'- ward.  Fort 225 

El'-i-ot,  John 99 

E-liz'-a-beth,  queen  of  England 30 

E-liz'-a-beth-town 105 

Blls'-worth,  Hen'-ry  L 393 

Ells'-worth,  Oi'-i-ver 305 

Em-bar'-go 346 

En'-di-cott,  Governor  71 

'Eng'-lish  Bill x 437 

Eng'-lish,  Mr 437 

E-per'-vier,  capture  of. 347 

E-cua-dor' 493 

E'-rie 17 

Es'-qui-maux  [es'-ke-md] 91,  480 

Es'-sex,  capture  of 347 

Eu'-rope 12 

Eu'-taw  Springs,  battle  of. 274 

-Ev'-er-ett,  Ed'- ward 425 

Ev'-er-glades  384 

Ex-plor'-ing  Ex  pe-di'-tion 393 

F. 

Fan'-euil  Hall I75 

Far'-ra-gut,  Admiral 457 

Fau'-chet,  French  minister 297 

Fay-ette',  General 221 

Fed'-er-al  party 298,  396 

Fer'-di-nand 20 

Isl'-ands 393 

Fil-li-bus'-ters 422 

Fill'-moro,  Mil'-lard *.!.*.7.’.4i5,  421 

Fish'-er,  Fort 468 

Flag  of  the  United  States 231 

Fletch'-er,  Governor 124 

Flor'-i-da 29,  370.  403 

Flor'-i-da  War 382 


PAGE 

Fort  du  Quesne  [kane] 148 

Fort  McIIen'-ry 353 

Fort  Meigs,  siege  of 337 

Fort  Minims 344 

Fort  W ash'-ing-ton 213 

For-  Wil'-liam  Hen'-ry 157 

Fos'-ter,  Mr 321 

Fox,  George 116 

Fran'-ci-a,  Dr 492 

Fran'-cis  I 28 

Frank'-lin,  Dr 129,  154,  168,  170,  185,  286 

Frank'-lin,  Sir  John 433,  481 

Fred'-er-icks-burg 457 

Free-Soil'-ers 416 

Fre-mont',  John  C — 409,  435 

French  and  In'-di-an  War 156 

French  Creek 150 

French  Mills 344 

French  Rev-o-lu'-tion 297 

French'-town,  mas'-sa-cre  at 334 

Frol'-ic,  capture  of. 331 

Ful'-ton,  Rob'-ert 321 

G. 

Gage,  General 181, 182,  184 

Gaines,  General 351,  383 

Gal'-la-tin,  Al'-bert 333 

Gas-pee' 17’8 

Gates,  General 227,  230,  263,  272 

Gates,  Sir  Thom'-as 48 

Ge-net',  French  minister 297 

Gen'-o  a 19 

Geor'-gi-a 247,  368,  375 

Geor'-gi-a,  settlement  of. 136 

Ger'-man-town,  battle  of. 234 

Ger'-ry,  El'-bridge 305,  333 

Get'-tys-burg 461 

Ghent,  treaty  of 360 

Gibbs,  General 359 

Gil'-mer,  Mr 401 

God'-win,  Will'-iam 302 

Goffe Ill 

Gor'-ges,  Fer-di-nan'-do 72 

Gos'-nold,  Bar-thol'-o-mew 30 

Gos'-nold,  Captain 52 

Graf'-fen-ried,  Baron 1.32 

Gray,  Captain 444 

Great  Mead'-ows 151 

Green,  Bar-thol'-o-mew 141 

Greene,  General 214,  235,  272 

Green'-land 16,  480 

Green  Moun'-tain  Boys I90 

Gren'-ville,  Charles I7I 

Grin-nell',  Hen'-ry 433 

Gua-da-lupe'-Hi-dal'-go 411 

Gu-a-na-ha'ni 24 

Gua-te-ma'-la 484,  487 

Guer-ri-ere',  capture  of 329 

Gui-a'-na 493 

Giiil'-ford  Court-House,  battle  of. 276 

Gus-ta'-yus  Adol'-phus 106 

H. 

Hale,  Captain  Na'-than . 269 

Ha'-met - 314 

Ham'-il-ton,  Al-ex-an'-der...289,  296,  302,  312 

Hamp'-den 89 

Han'-cock,  John .207, 191 

Har'-dy,  Commodore 348 

Har'-lem  Heights.. 213 


612 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Har'-mar,  General.^ 291 

Har'-ney,  General 439,  445 

Har^-ri-son,  General, 

323,  329,  334,  341,  378.  396 

Hart'-ford 79 

Hart'- ford  Con-ven'-tion 357 

Hart'-stene,  Lieutenant 433 

Har'-vard  Col-lege 128 

Hat'ter-as  InMet 453 

Hay' ti 482 

Heint'-zel-man,  General... 452 

Hen'-ne-pin 144 

Hen-ri'’-co 49 

Heii'ry,  Pat'-rick 168 

Hen'-ryVII 20 

Her-re'-ra,  General 406 

Iless'-ians 203 

Hib'-bins 100 

Ilis-pa-ni-o'-la 483 

Hon-du'-ras 487 

Hope,  Mount 109 

Howe,  General 193,  210 

Hud'-son,  Hen'-ry 51 

Hud'-son  Bay 479 

Hud'-son  Bay  Company 479 

Hull,  General 326 

Hulse'-mann,  Chev-a-lier' 423 

Hu'-ron-Ir'-o-quois 94 

Hu'-rons 387 

Hutch'-in-son,  Ann 117 

I. 

Il-li-nois' 367 

Im-press'-ment 316 

In'-a-cbus 12 

In-de-pend'-ence,  Dec-la-ra'-tion  of. 208 

In-di-a'-na 363 

Tn-di-a'-na  Ter'-ri-to-ry 308 

In'-di-an  race 489 

In'-di-ans 24 

In'-di  ans,  description  of. 92 

In'-di-ans  of  the  West 472 

I n'-di-an  Ter'-ri-to-ry. ....  382,  47 2 

In'-gra-ham,  Captain... 427 

In-ter'-nal  im-prove'-ments.^i 405 

I'-o-wa 403 

Ir'-o-quois 387 

Is-a-bel'-la 20 

Is'-a-bel,  Point 407 

I-u'-ka 460 

Iz'-ard,  General 351 

J. 

Jack'-son,  General 344,  369,  366,  377,  404 

Jack'-son  party 395 

Ja-mai'-ca 26 

.Tame'-&on,  Colonel 268 

.Tames'-town 35 

Ja-pan'  Ex-pe-di'-tion 428 

.Ta'-va,  capture  of 332 

.lay,  John 299,  378 

Jay’s  treaty 300 

Jef'-fer-son,  Thom'-as 289,  297,  309,  375 

Jen'-ner,  Dr 307 

Jes'-sup,  General 351,  384 

John'-son,  GeneraL 153 

John'-son,  Governor 131 

John'-son,  President 471 

John'-son,  Rich'-ard  M 389 

John'-ston,  Colonel 439 


PAGE 


Jo'-li-et 144 

Jones,  Captain 331 

Jones,  Mar'-ga-ret 100 

Jones,  Paul 232 

Jus'-suf 414 


K. 

Kane,  Dr 

Kane,  Mr 

Kan'-sas 

Kan'-sas-Ne-bras'-ka  Bill 

Kas-kas'-ki-a 

Kean,  General 

Kear'-sarge 

Keitt,  L.  M 

Ken'-e-saw 

Ken-tuck'-y 

Ke'-o-kuck 

Kidd,  Will'-i»m 

Kil-pat'-rick,  General 

King,  Will'-iam  R 

King  Will'-iam’s  War 

Kings'-bridge 

King’s  Moun'-tain,  battle  of 

Klieft,  Will'-iam 

Knip-hau'-sen,  General 

K no  w'-Noth'-ings 

Knox,  General 

Knox,  Hen'-ry 

Kos-ci-us'-ko 

Kos'-suth,  Lou'-is 

Kosz'-ta,  Mar'-tin 

li. 

Lab-ra-dor' 27 

La  Fayrette' 237,  253,  261,  271,  276,  371 

Lake  Cham  plain',  battle  of. 355 

Lake  E'-rie,  battle  of. 340 

La  Salle' 144 

Lath'-rop,  Captain Ill 

Law'-rence,  Captain ...  338 

Lear,  Consul.. 314 

Lee,  General  Charles 239 

Lee,  General  R.  E 459 

Lee,  Rich'-ard  Hen'-ry 166 

Le'-on,  Ponce  de 29 

Leop'-ard,  frigate 317 

Le-vant',  capture  of 360 

Lew'-is  and  Clarke 316 

Lex'-ing-ton,  battle  of. 185 

Ley '-den  [ U'^en] 55 

Lief 16  •• 

Lin'-coln,  Abraham... 447,  449 

lin'coln.  General ..248,  284 

Lin'-gan,  General 325 

Little  Belt 321 

Locke 108 

Long  Tsl'-and,  battle  of...... 211 

Lo'-pez 492 

Lo'-pez,  General 422 

Lou'-dqn,  Lord 1^7 

Lou'-is-burg 138,  157 

Lou-is-i-an'-a 147,  311 

Lou'is  Phi-lippe' S82 

Lun'-dy’s  Lane,  battle  of. 350 

M. 

McAl'-lis-ter,  Fort 467 

Ma-ce-do'-ni-an,  capture  of. 331 

McClel'-lan,  General 452 


.432,  481 

439 

......  436 

429 

147 

359 

......  465 

4.33 

..  ...  466 

292 

385 

135 

462 

427 

122 

213 

264 

102 

265 

436 

302 

289 

221 

423 

427 


IN  D E X. 


513 


PAGE 


McClure',  Captain 433 

McDoii'-ougli,  Commodore 355 

McDou'-gall,  General 251 

McDovv'-ell,  General 452 

McHea',  Miss 225 

Ma  dei'-ra  \_ma-dee'-rd\ 174 

Mad'-i-son,  James 320,  333,  376 

Ma'-doc 15 

Maine 368 

Mal'-vern  Hill 458 

Man-as'-sas  Junc'-tion 452 

Man-hat'-tan  Isl'-and 51 

Man'-i-tou 93 

Ma-ri-et'-ta,  Ga 466 

Ma-ri-et'-ta,  0 310 

Mar-quette'  [niar-ket''] 144 

Mar-seilles'  \inar-sailz''\ 12 

Mar'-shall,  John 305,  385 

Ma'-ry-land 76 

Ma'-son 453 

Ma'-son,  Captain S3 

Ma'-son,  John 72 

Ma'-son,  Minister 429 

Mas'-sa-cre,  Bos'-ton 176 

Mas-sa-soit' 65 

Math'-er,  Cot'-ton 307 

Mau-mee'  Riv'-er 144 

May'-flo\v-er 56 

May'-hew,  Ex-pe'-rience 99 

31e-lam'-pus,  frigate 317 

Mer-id'-ian 462 

Mer'-ri-mac 455 

Me-sil'-la  Val'-ley 427 

Meth'-o-dists 127 

Mex'-i-can  War 406 

Mex'-i-co 32,  484 

Mi-am'-ies 96 

Mi-aii-ton'-o-moh 85 

Mi-can'-o  py 383 

Mich'-i-gan 386 

Mich-il-i-mack'-in-ac  [mish-il-e-mak'-in~ 

aw] 162 

Mif-flin,  General 281 

Mil'-ler,  General 337 

Min-ne-so'-ta 444 

Min'-u-its,  Pe'-ter 106 

Mis'-sion-ary  Ridge 462 

Mis-sis-sip'-pi 364 

Mis-sis-sip'-pi  Ter'-ri-to-iy 308 

Mis-sou'-ri 369 

Mis-sou'-ri  Com'-pro-mise 369,  418,  429 

Mo-bi'-li-an  In'-di-ans 96 

Mo'-hawks  84 

Mo-he'-gans 85 

Monck'-ton 163 

Monck'-ton,  Colonel 238 

Mon-he'-gan  Isl'-and 53 

Mon'-i-tor 456 

Mon'-mouth,  battle  of - 238 

Mon- roe',  James 305,  318,  364,  376 

Mont-calm',  General 157,  161 

Mon-te-rey' 408 

Mont-gom'-ery 451 

Mont-gom'-er-y,  General  199 

Mon-tre-al' 29,  162,  190 

Moore,  Governor 131 

Mo-ra'-vi-an  Towns,  battle  of 342 

Mor'-gan,  General 272,  273 

Mor'-mons: 367,  438 

Morse,  S.  F.  B 443 

. 22* 


PAGH 

Mor'-ton 71 

Moul'-trie,  Colonel 207 

Moul'-trie,  Fort 450 

Mount  Ver'-non  La'-dies’ As-so-ci-a'-tion.  440 

Mud'-dy  Brook Ill 

Mur'-frees-bor-o 460 

Mur'-ray,  General 161 

Mys'-tic  Riv'-er 83 

NT. 

Na-po'-le-on  Bo'-na-parte 305 

Nar-ra-gan'-set  In'-di-ans 65,  81 

Nash'-ville 301 

Nas'-sau,  Fort 106 

Natch'ez  In'dians 146 

Natch'-ez 96,  460 

Ne'-gro  plot 104 

Nel'-son,  Rob'-ert 391 

New  Am'-ster-dam ,.52, 102 

New  Arch-an'-gel 481 

New  Eng'-land 55 

New-found'-land  \rmf~fund-land] 28 

New  Hamp'-shire 72 

New  Ila'-ven 85 

New  Jer-sey 105 

New  Le'-on.... 408 

New  Neth'-er-lands 52 

New  Or'-leans,  battle  of. 359 

New'-port,  Captain 44,  35 

New  Swe'-den 103,  107 

New  York 102 

Nich'-o-las,  Colonel , 104 

Nich'-ol-son,  Commodore 275 

Nip'-mucks 110 

Ni-ca-ra'-gua 487 

No-nan'-tum 100 

North  An'-na 463 

North'-men.... 15 

North-West'-ern  Ter'-ri-tory 387 

North-west  passage 433 

Nor'-way 14 

No'-va  Sco'-tia 479 

Nu-e'-ces 406 

Nul-U-fi-ca'-tion 378 

o. 

O'-gle-thorpe 136 

0’-I4a'-ra,  General 278 

O-hi'-o 310 

Ol'-i-ver 170 

Om'-ni-bus  Bill 419 

O-pe-chan'-ca-nough 68 

Or'-ders  in  Coun'-cil,  British 316 

Or'-e-gon 413,  444 

Os-ce-o'-la 383 

Os-tend'  Con'-fer  ence 429 

O'-tis,  James 166 

Ot'-ta-wa 479 

Ot'-ta-was 66 

P. 

Pack'-en-ham,  Sir  E 358 

Pa-du'-cah 451 

Paine,  Thom'-as 282,  302 

Pal'-at  ines.... 132 

Palm'-er 270 

Pa'-lo  Al'-to 407 

Pa'-los 20 

Pam'-li-co 453 


514 


INDEX. 


PAGE 


PAGE 


Pa^mun'-key 

Pan'-ic  of  1837 

Pan'-ic  of  1857 

Par-a-guay'... 

Pa-re'-des,  President 

Par'-ker,  Sir  Pe'-ter 

Par'-ry 

Pa-ta-go'-ni-a 

Pat'-ter-son,  General 

Panl'-ding,  John 

Paul'-iis  Hook,  capture  of. 

Pel'-i-can,  capture  of.. 

Penn,  Will'-iam 

Penn-syl-va'-ni-a 

Pen-sa-co'-la 

Pe'-quod  In'-dians 

l>er'-ry.  Commodore 

Pe'-ters-burg 

Phil-a-del'-phia 

Phil'-ip,  King 

Phipps,  Sir  Will'-iam. 

Pick'-ens,  Fort 

Pick'-er-ing,  Tim'-o-thy 

Pierce,  FrankMin 

Pike,  General 

Pinck'-ney,  Charles  C 

Pit-cairn',  Major 

Pitch'-er,  MoF  ly 

Pitt,  Lord  Chat'-ham 

Pitts'-hurgh 

Pi-zar'-ro 

Plym'-outh 

Po-ca-hon'-tas 

Point  Com'-fort 

Polk,  James  K 

Pop'-u-lar  sov'-er-eign-ty . . . . 

Por'-to  Ri'-co  [ree'-co] 

Port  Roy'-al 

Po-to'-mac 

Pow-ha-tan' 

Pre'-ble,  Commodore 

Pres'-cott,  General 

Pres'-i-dent,  frigate,  captured. 
Presque  [pres/r]  Isle.. 

Pre'-vost 

Pri-deaux',  General.., 
Prince'-ton,  battle  of. 

Proc'-tor,  General 

Prov'-i-dence 

Jh-ynne,  Captain 

Pu-las'-ki,  Count 

Pu'-ri-tans 


458 

389 

440 

492 

406 

206 

481 

491 

452 

269 

259 

339 

118 

118 

147 

82 

340 

463 

120 

.109,  113 

123 

450 

'302 

426 


335 

305 

186 

239 

157 

^.....  148 
.*.32,  489 

59 

41 

34 

404 

436 

483 

.108,  129 

451 

36 

313 

222 

360 

148 

354 

159 

217 

.334,  341 

81 

53 

.221,  250 
55 


Put'-nam,  General 187, 194,  195,  218,  251 

Put'-nam,  Ru'-fus 310 

Pyth'-e-as 12 


Q. 


Qua'-ker 116 

Que-bec' 159,  479 

Queen  Anne’s  War 129 

Quin'-cy,  Jo-si'-ah 177 

Quin'-ni-pi-ack 85 

Quit'-man 413 

R. 

RaMeigh ; 468 

Ra'-leigh,  SirWal'-ter 30 

Ram'-say,  Dr 281 

Ran'-dolph,  Kd'-mund 297 

llan'-dolph,  John 385 


Ran'-dolph,  Lieutenant 380 

Ran'-dolph,  Pey'-ton 181 

Rap-id-an' 463 

Rap-pa-han'-nock : 459 

Re-bell'-ion,  Ca-na'-di-an 390 

Re-bell'-ion,  Dorr’s 400 

Re-ci-proc'-i-ty  treaty 431 

Red  Bank,  battle  of 235 

Red  Stones 151 

Reg-u-la-tors 178 

Rein'-deer,  capture  of 347 

Re-pubMi-can  party 298,  395 

Re-sa'-ca. 466 

Re-sa'ca  de  la  Pal'-ma .’  407 

Rhode  IsF-and 81 

Ri'-all,  General 349 

Ridge'-field 219 

Ring'-gold,  Captain 427 

Ring'-gold,  Major 407 

RF-o  Gran'-de 406 

Rip'-ley,  General 351 

Rives,  W.  C 382 

Ro-an-oke' 34,  454 

Rob'ert-son,  James..  301 

Rob '-in-son.  Rev.  John... 55  ‘ 

Ro-cham-beau',  Count 265,  268 

Rodg'-ers,  Commodore 339 

Rog'-ers,  Major. 152 

Rolfe 68 

Rose'-crans,  General 452 

Rose,  Mr.,.. 319 

Ross,  General., 352 

Rush,  Ben'-ja-min 333 

Rus'-sian  A-mer'-ica 481 

S. 

Sag-a-da-hoc'  Riv'-er 54 

Sa'-gas  of  Ice'-land 17 

St.  Clair,  General 224,  291 

St.  Do-min'-go 25,  483 

St.  Leg'-er,  Colonel 225 

St*  Lou'-is 451 

St.  Pi-erre' ....  150 

St.  Sal-va-dor' 24,  482 

Sa'-lem 100 

Sal-tiF-lo . 408 

Sam'-o-set .64 

San  Fran-cis'-co...... - 417 

San  Ju-an',  IsFand  of 445 

San  Sal'-va-dor . . 487 

San'-ta  An'-na 406,  410,  427 

San'-ta  Fe ...  409 

Sas'-sa-cus 84 

Sa-van'-nah 136,  250 

Say '-brook 79 

Say'-brook  Plat'-form 127 

Sayle,  Governor .108 

Scan-di-na'-vi-a — .....  14 

Sche-nec'-ta-dy 123 

Schuy'-ler,  General...... 225 

Schuy'-ler,  Major 124 

Scott,  General 350,  391,  410,  426 

.Sein'-i-nole  War 366 

Se-vier',  Colonel  John 301 

Shan'-non,  frigate 338 

Shays,  Rebell'-ion  of. 284 

Sheafe,  General..  330 

Shel'-by,  Governor 341 

SheF-by-ville 461 

Shen-an-doLah 458 


INDEX. 


515 


PAGE 


PAGE 


Shep'-ard,  General 284 

Sher'4-diiu,  General 464 

Shet'-Iand  Isles 12 

Shields,  General 413 

Shi'-loli 456 

Sliii''-ley,  Governor 154,  156 

SilMi-man,  General 219 

Sit'-ka 481 

Six  Nations 259,  299 

Sla'-ver-y 436 

Sli-deir 453 

Sniall'-pox 306 

Smith,  Captain  John 37,  54 

Smith,  General 413 

Smith,  Joe 438 

Smith'-son,  James 392 

Smith-so'-ni-an  In-sti-tu'  tion 392 

Smyth,  General 330 

So'-to,  JFer'-di-nand  de 29 

Son'-le,  W-erre' 429 

South  Car-o-li'-na 108 

Speed'- well 56 

Spott-syl-va'-nia 483 

Squan'-to 67 

Stamp  Act 167 

Stan'-dish,  Captain  Miles 58,  70 

Stark,  General 226 

State  Rights  party 378 

Steam  Nav-i-ga'-tion 3.22 

Ste'-phens,  Alexander  II 449, 

Still'-wa-ter,  battle  of 228 

Stock'-ton,  Commodore 401 

Stone,  Rev.  Mr : 83 

Stou'-iuo--ton,  bombardment  of. 348 

Ston'-y  Point,  Capture  of 257 

Strick'-er,  General 353 

Stuy'-ve-sant,  Pe'-ter 103 

Sub-treas'-u-ry 394,  405 

Sug'-ar  Act .*. 166 

Sul'-li-van,  General 242 

Sum'-ter,  Fort,  surrender  of 450,  451 

Swan'-zey 109 

Swe'-den '’4 

T. 

Ta'-ble  Rock 14 

'I’am-pi'-co  [tam-pee/-lco] 409 

Ta.r'-ilf,  pro-tect'-ive 405 

Tarle'-ton,  Colonel 264,  272 

Tax-a'-tion  of  the  Col'-o-nies 165 

Tay'-lor,  General 384,  406,  415,  420 

Tea,  tax  on 179 

Te-cum'-seh 342 

Tel'-e-graph,  e-lec'-tric 442 

'J’en-nes-see' 301 

Te-noch-tit-Um' 484 

Ter'-nay,  Admiral  de 265 

Tex'-as 403 

Thomp'-son,  Charles 181 

Thomp'-son,  General 383 

Thor'-finn 17 

Thorn'-ton,  Captain 407 

Tlior'-wald 17 

Ti-con-de-ro'-ga 158 

Tip'-pe-ca-noe',  battle  of 324 

Tomp'-kins,  Dan'-iel  I) 365 

To-ron'-to 336 

Tor-tu'-ga 484 

Tren'-ton,  battle  of. 216 

Tri-part'-ite  treat'-y  424 


Trip'-o-li 362 

Trip'-o  li,  war  with 312 

Trum'-bull,  Colonel ...243,  270 

Tru'-ro 57 

Try '-on.  General 252 

.Tul-la-ho'-ma 461 

Tu'-nis 362 

Twiggs,  General 413 

Ty-bee' 456 

Ty'-ler,  John 397,  398 


U. 


U-chees' 96 

U-nit'-ed  States  Bank 383,  389,  393,  405 

U-ni-ver'-sal-ists 127 

Up'-shur,  Mr 401 

U-ru-guay' 482 

U'-tah 438 

■V. 

Yal'-ley  Forge 237 

Yal-la-dol -id' 26 

Yan  Bu'-ren,  Mar'- tin 379,  388 

Yan-cou'-ver  Isl'-and 479 

Yan-Rensse'-la-er,  Governor  Ste'-phen...  329 

Yan  Twil'-ler,  Won'- ter 106 

Yan  Wart,  I'-saac 269 

Yane,  Governor...  81 

Yans  Mur '-ray,  William 305 

Vas'-co  da  Ga'-ma 14 

Ye'-ga,  General  de  la 407 

Ye-las'quez 482 

Yen-e-zu-e'-la 493 

Ye'-ra  Cruz 410 

Yer-mont' 189,  290 

Yer-ra-za'-ni 28 

Ves-pu'-ci-us,  A-mer-i-cus.... 27,  489 

Yicks'-burg 461 

Yic-to'-ria,  Queen 451 

Yill'-iers,  Count  de 152 

Yin'-land 16 

Yir-gin'-ia 451 

W. 

Wads'- worth.  Captain 112, 124 

Walk'-er,  William 431 

War'-ren,  Commodore 138 

War'-ren,  General 194 

War'-ring-ton,  Commander 347 

War  with  Great  Brit'-ain,  1812 325 

\Yash'-ing-ton,  George, 

149,  197,  210,  280,  287,  296,  306 

Wash'-ing-ton  city,  308;  capture  of. 352 

Wash'-ing-ton,  John 440 

W^ash'-ing-ton  Ter'-ri-tory. 445 

Wasp,  capture  of 331 

Wa'-ter-town 79 

Wa'-ter-house,  Dr 306 

Wayne,  General 257,  299 

Weath'-er-ford,  In'-dian  chief 345 

Web'-ster,  Daniel 399, 422,  424 

West,  Ben'-ja-min 270 

West  In'-dies 482 

West  Yirginia 4.53 

Weath'-ers-field 79 

Wey'-mouth 70 

Wey '-mouth.  Captain 53 

Wheel'-wright,  John 118 

Whi'-dah,  pirate  ship  1.34 

Whig  party 396 


516 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Whis'-key  In-sur-rec'-tion. 299 

White,  Per'-e-grine 58 

White  Plains,  battle  of. 213 

White'-field,  Rev.  George 128 

WIP- kin-son 291 

W'il'-kin-son,  General 343,  §48 

W^ilP-iara  and  Ma'-ry’s  Col'-lege 128 

Will'-iams-burg 149,  458 

Will'-iams,  Da'-vid 269 

W^ill'-iams,  Rog'-er 80 

VVil'-mnt,  DaWid 416 

Wil'-mot  pro-vi'-so .• 416 

Win'-ches-ter,  General 334 

Win'-der,  General 352 

Wing'-field,  Pres'-i-dent 35, 

W'ins'-lovt',  General 156 

Wins'-k)w,  Mr 65 

Win'-throp,  John 74 

Wip'-ple,  Captain 178 

Wis-con'-sin 414 

W^itch'-craft 100 

Wol'-cott,  Ol'-i  ver 302 

Wolfe,  General 160 


PAGE 

Wol'-las-ton,  Mount 71 

Wood'-ford,  General 221 

Wool,  General  391,  413 

Woos'-ter,  General 219 

Worth,  General 413 

Wy'-att,  Thom'-as 68 

W'y-'o-ming,  mas'-sa-cre  of... 245 

Y. 

YaleCoV-lege 128 

Yam-a-sees' 134 

Yel'-low  fe'-ver 307 

Yeo'-mans,  Sir  James 108 

Yo-a-co-mo'-co 77 

York,  capture  of. 335 

York,  Duke  of. 103 

York'-town,  siege  of 276 

Young,  Drig'-ham 439 

Young,  Captain 275 

Z. 

Zol'-li-cof-fer,  General 454 


THE  END. 


CAXTON  PRESS  OF 
SHERMAN  & CO.,  PHILADELPHIA. 


